# A Case of a Pressure Injury Where Electrical Stimulation Led to Team Cohesion and Enhanced Healing

## TL;DR

A pressure injury in a quadriplegic patient healed faster with electrical stimulation and teamwork, showing promise for severe wound care.

## Contribution

Demonstrates accelerated healing of a stage IV pressure injury using electrical stimulation and interprofessional collaboration.

## Key findings

- Stage IV pressure injury healed in 90 days with electrical stimulation, compared to typical 150-240 days.
- Electrical stimulation fostered interprofessional collaboration and improved wound management outcomes.
- Rigorous wound care protocols, including pH-balanced cleansing and repositioning, contributed to faster healing.

## Abstract

Pressure injuries are grave sequelae of prolonged immobility, with each episode incurring an estimated US $30,000-70,000 in direct medical costs and often necessitating protracted management. Beyond the economic burden, these ulcers disrupt the skin’s barrier, heightening infection risk and predisposing patients to sepsis. Although electrical stimulation (ES) is endorsed by clinical guidelines, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, rehabilitation professionals remain under-represented in pressure-injury care. We report the case of a woman in her 50s with quadriplegia who developed a stage IV pressure injury that failed to improve with standard wound care. Following a physical therapist’s recommendation, ES was initiated, which not only accelerated wound closure but also fostered interprofessional collaboration. Stage III/IV ulcers typically require approximately 150-240 days to heal; in contrast, this lesion closed in just 90 days. Rigorous, twice-daily wound assessment, pH-balanced cleansing, and scheduled repositioning were integral to this expedited outcome. The case underscores the value of team-based management and highlights ES as a promising adjunct for severe pressure injuries. Larger cohort studies are warranted to confirm these findings and refine clinical protocols.