Background- Poor function recovery and long time of return to work (RTW) are the most common complaints for those who underwent immediate peripheral nerve repair surgery of upper extremities. Alternating current electrical stimulation (ACES) has been used to manage patients with peripheral nerve injury for the prevention of joint contractures but the nerve regeneration. This case study described a 32-year-old male suffering of total rupture of the right ulnar nerve then receiving direct ACES and daily rehabilitating.

Problem- The patient suffered of deep cutting wound and total rupture of right proximal forearm ulnar nerve, partial rupture of flexor digitorium superfialis and profundus, flexor carpal radialis and ulnaris were found. The wound with size measured 13*4*3 cm was immediately underwent irrigation, muscle and ulnar nerve repair surgery. 

Intervention- Direct ACES on the route of the injured ulnar nerve transmitted by the 2 acupuncture needles inserted in the cubital tunnel was applied to. Other needles were placed according to the origins and insertions of the muscles. All needles were connected to  lectrical stimulators as electrodes. We executed these procedures one time per week and daily rehabilitating activities.

Evaluation-  The Rosén and Lundborg protocol, DASH scores and electromyography were used to measure the outcomes.

Recommendations- Direct electrical stimulation on the injured nerve can augment nerve regeneration by three suspect mechanisms. Though direct ACES can contribute to dramatic recovery of the patient with minimal adverse effects, further investigation of treatment protocols and definite mechanism still need to be established.