Electrical stimulation of denervated muscles.

PURPOSE: In this report, the 3-year rehabilitation of a 43-year-old male patient, who have pelvic 'open book' fracture, urinary bladder and urethral injury, lumbosacral plexus avulsion trauma and right lower extremity monoparesis is explained.

METHOD: Rehabilitation of these injuries is absolutely essential to ensure optimal functional recovery. But the value of electrical stimulation for denervated muscle is not proven and its application to gain what may only be a small benefit is often not justified.

CONCLUSIONS

With this case I emphasize that electrical stimulation and appropriate exercise programme in denervated protected muscle fibers activity for 3 years and rehabilitation should be continued.