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Wheelchair Users - Pressure Sores

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dave1234
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Joined: Tue 13 Jan, 2009 2:56 am
Location: Orlando, Florida

Wheelchair Users - Pressure Sores

Post by dave1234 »

For people in wheelchairs, a difficult situation can be made more uncomfortable by buttock pressure sores. These often occur at the point of maximum pressure on the buttocks. These sores can be caused by many things including the seat material of the wheelchair etc.

However, the way in which the person sits in the chair can have a huge influence. If the pelvis is tilted slightly from where it should be, these pressure sores can occur.

It is a complex business with many factors other than those mentioned involved.

The following link shows pressure sores of various types, and you can see what some of these poor souls have to endure. The link contains graphic medical images:

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&r ... 20&ndsp=20


We have a couple of bones called the ischial tuberosities [ sits bones ] that we sit “on”. These bones are covered by muscle tissue and have various muscles and ligaments attached to them. Sometimes, these muscles and ligaments can become too tight and/or too weak. This can affect the postion of the pelvis.
http://images.teamsugar.com/files/users ... -bones.jpg

A big problem in the past has been custom fitting cushions for people who have pressure sores. Generally the fitter uses his or her skill to determine how the person is sitting and gets a custom cushion made up.
Whilst searching for a device that could determine whether I am sitting properly or not [ I have buttock pain ], I came across a very interesting device called the CONFORMAT.

http://www.tekscan.com/medical/system-conformat.html

This is a very clever system and consists of a flexible mat and backpiece containing over 2,000 tiny little sensors. The two units are connected to a laptop computer via a communications cable. Special measuring software runs on the laptop. The person is seated in the chair and the software produces a “map” showing pressure spots [ similar to Infra – Red heat sensor maps ]. Based on the map produced, a custom fit cushion can be made. I have heard really good reviews of it from some patients.
Once I can afford the test, I’m going to try it out.
It’s not the answer to all buttock pressure sores by any means, as it is a very complicated subject and the people who manage these sores for individuals are highly trained specialists. However I just thought that if anyone knows a comrade or someone else who has discomfort in a wheelchair, perhaps they might look into this under guidance of their therapist. Not sure if it is in use in the UK, but you could drop them a line and ask. The chap I spoke to at the manufacturers was very helpful and put me through to Orlando Regional Health Care Lucerne who have a unit in operation.
If anyone wants more info, drop me a PM and I’ll give you the name and direct line of the main pelvic therapist.

I’ve spoken to a few US servicemen who have told me that once they got their custom cushion, their quality of life improved.

Dave
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