The effectiveness of high-frequency electrical stimulation for treating pressure ulcers

Management of deep pressure ulcers remains an actual problem in modern purulent surgery because there is neither decrease in the number of patients nor in the relapse percentage.

Objective: optimization of the treatment protocol for pressure ulcer management in patients with chronic critical state of cerebral origin.

Material and methods. 63 patients, aged 21–74, in chronic critical state and with decubital ulcers of varying depth and location were treated using high-frequency electrical stimulation. Lesion depth was equal to degree II–III by the classification of Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (1992). The stimulation technique and its technological support are described in details. Objective control included bacteriological and morphological tests and Bates-Jensen scale.

Research results. The data obtained from the studied group of patients (demographic and clinical parameters) were compared to the similar data of 34 patients from the comparison group who had standard therapy. High-frequency electrical stimulation promoted qualitative acceleration of reparative processes in chronic wounds, thus reducing the overall time of treatment and rehabilitation.

Conclusion. High-frequency electrical stimulation can be recommended as an additional physical action at chronic wound processes in patients in chronic critical condition.

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