Effects of using a high-density foam pad versus a viscoelastic polymer pad on the incidence of pressure ulcer development during spinal surgery

Tsokuang Wu, Shin Tien Wang, Pi Chu Lin, Chien Lin Liu, Yann Fen C. Chao

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of high-density foam (HDF) pads versus viscoelastic polymer (VP) pads in the prevention of pressure ulcer formation during spinal surgery and their cost-effectiveness. Subjects were 30 patients who underwent spinal surgery for more than 3 hr in a prone position. One side of the chest and iliac crest was padded with HDF pads and the other side was padded with VP pads. An Xsensor® pressure measuring sheet was placed between the pad and the patient. Bilateral chest and iliac crest points were observed for the presence of pressure ulcers at 30 min after the operation. Results showed that a pressure ulcer had occurred at 9 of 120 compression points (7.5% of the total), 30 min after the operation. Risk evaluation showed that female gender, weight <50 kg, and body mass index (BMI) <18 kg/m2 as well as location (the iliac crest) were all risk factors for development of pressure ulcers. The most significant factor was BMI <18 kg/m2. The average and peak pressures measured at the points padded with the VP pads were significantly lower than those padded with the HDF pads. However, there was no significant difference between the VP and the HDF pads regarding ulcer prevention. Because the cost of a VP pad is 250 times greater than that of an HDF pad of similar size, the VP pad should only be considered for use in high-risk patients.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)419-424
Number of pages6
JournalBiological Research for Nursing
Volume13
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 14 2011

Keywords

  • high-density foam pad
  • pressure ulcer
  • spinal surgery
  • viscoelastic polymer pad

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Research and Theory

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