Effect of head elevation on sacral and ischial tuberosities pressure in infirmary patients

Background Pressure ulcers are common in all health-care settingsWe assessed the effect of head elevation on the interface pressures at the bony prominences in the buttock area in infirmary patientsMethods21 male and 21 female long-term infirmary patients of the Cheshire Home, Shatin, Hong Kong aged 24 to 95 (mean, 58.8; standard deviation [SD], 19.5) years who were at risk of developing pressure ulcers were includedThe subjects were positioned supine on the standard hospital bed and mattressThe interface pressures of the sacrum and ischial tuberosities were recorded by a pressure-mapping systemThe procedure was repeated in head elevation angles of 15°30°, 45° and 60°ResultsThe peak pressures at the sacrum and ischial tuberosities increased significantly with the angle of head elevation at 30° 45°and 60°, compared to 0°ConclusionThe clinical practice of re-positioning at-risk patients is a good prevention strategy.