Article

Case series of pressure ulcers in patients with spinal cord injury after
inappropriate and prolonged application of graduated compression stockings are
presented. Three adult patients with spinal cord injury were fitted with
graduated compression stockings in the acute phase to prevent thromboembolism.
Acute hospital staff did not monitor the skin for potential pressure ulcer
because of the graduated compression stockings. Grade II pressure ulcers
developed on the toes in all three cases. All pressure ulcers were managed
conservatively and healed without complication. The manufacturers of graduated
compression stockings did not include information about the need to monitor
patients with sensory impairment for pressure ulcers. It is suggested that the
manufacturers of graduated compression stockings include information about the
need to monitor patients with sensory impairment for skin breakdown. When
graduated compression stockings are applied to patients with sensory impairment,
including spinal cord injury, staff needs to be vigilant for pressure ulcers
occurring at the extremes of the graduated compression stockings, in addition to
the more common areas where pressure ulcers occur.

Langue : ANGLAIS