Chronic electrical stimulation in patients with traumatic sciatic neuropathy

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of neurolysis combined with chronic electrical stimulation in patients with post-traumatic sciatic neuropathy. Material and methods. A prospective randomized study enrolled 14 patients with post-traumatic sciatic neuropathy. Patients were divided into two groups: group A (neurolysis+chronic electrical stimulation) and group B (neurolysis). Group A included 6 patients. All ones had severe neurogenic pain syndrome (VAS score 7.16±0.75). In five patients, pain syndrome was accompanied by muscle weakness. Group B included 8 patients with severe neurogenic pain syndrome (VAS score 7.42±0.78). Muscle weakness was noted in seven cases. We assessed pain and muscle strength before surgery, in early postoperative period, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Results. In group A, pain decreased in all cases (from 7.16±0.75 points before surgery to 2.33±1.36 points after 12 months). All patients with muscle weakness experienced higher muscle strength and range of voluntary movements after 12 months. In group B, pain decreased only in 4 out of 8 patients. Dynamics of pain ranged from 7.42±0.78 points before surgery to 5±3.02 points after 12 months. Higher muscle strength and range of movements were observed in only two patients. Conclusion. Neurolysis combined with chronic electrical stimulation is followed by better outcomes in patients with post-traumatic sciatic neuropathy. Chronic peripheral electrical stimulation probably has an effect on recovery of motor functions.