Article

Pressure ulcers remain a major source of morbidity and mortality in veterans with
neurologic impairment. Management of pressure ulcers typically involves pressure
relief over skin regions containing wounds, but this can lead to loss of mobility
and independence when the wounds are located in regions that receive pressure
from sitting. An innovative, low-cost, multidisciplinary effort was undertaken to
maximize quality of life in a veteran with a thoracic-4 level complete spinal
cord injury and a stage 4 ischial wound. The person's power wheelchair was
converted into a motorized prone cart, allowing navigation of the Department of
Veterans Affairs spinal cord injury hospital ward and improved socialization
while relieving pressure on the wound. Physical and occupational therapy assisted
with the reconfiguration of the power chair and verified safe transfers into the
chair and driving of the device. Psychology verified positive psychosocial
benefit, while nursing and physician services verified an absence of unwanted
pain or skin injury resulting from use of the device. Further investigation of
ways to apply this technique is warranted to improve the quality of life of
persons with pressure ulcers.

Langue : ANGLAIS