Clinical biomechanics
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Clinical biomechanics · Aug 2013
A numerical study to analyse the risk for pressure ulcer development on a spine board.
Spine boards are used to immobilise accident victims suspected of having spinal injury. Guidelines about the maximum time patients remain on the board are often exceeded and on occasions may lead to pressure ulcers. Etiological research has shown that two processes ultimately lead to pressure ulcers:"Ischemic damage" which takes several hours to initiate and "deformation damage" at high strains. The latter process is very quick and the first signs of cell damage are already evident within minutes. Thus in order to minimise the risk of pressure ulcer development during prolonged loading, a new soft-layered long spine board has been designed. ⋯ The prototype comfort board is able to reduce the risk for deformation damage and thus reduces the risk of developing pressure ulcers.