The effect of a liner on the dispersion of sacral interface pressures during spinal immobilization

Model System:

Reference Type:

Accession No.:

Journal:

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study assessed sacral interface pressure and sensing area in healthy volunteers on a spine board and the effects of a gel pressure dispersion liner. Sacral pressure ulcers are a significant problem following spinal cord injury and are felt to be in part due to the high interface pressures generated while strapped to the spine board. Thirty-seven volunteers were placed on a pressure-sensing mat between the subject and the spine board. Measurements were carried out with and without a gel liner. Pressures and sensing area were recorded every minute for 40 minutes. The highest pressure was generated at the sacral prominence of each subject. Mean interface pressures were higher on the spine board alone than with the gel liner. Overall, mean sensing area was lower on the spine board than with the gel liner. The results revealed that standard spinal immobilization caused high sacral interface pressures. The addition of a gel liner on the spine board decreased overall mean sacral pressures and increased mean sensing area.

Author(s):

Participating Centers: