Abstract
Aims: Pressure sores are potentially serious complications caused by capillary closure due to extended periods of immobilization such as during surgery. Jellypads are available to reduce this risk but are costly and have been shown to harbour bacteria, thereby posing as an infective risk in implant surgery. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential use of more cost effective, clean, disposable product, without compromising on efficacy. Methods: Currently marketed (jellypad) and novel (bubblewrap) pressure relief products were used in this study to compare pressures generated when a subject sat on the different products. Varying diameter bubblewrap in differing layer structure was used to assess whether (a) the novel material offered better pressure relief and if so, (b) which configuration provided the best pressure dispersion. Results: Our results show that bubblewrap seems to offer better relief of pressure than jellypad. Two to four layers of 10 mm diameter bubblewrap used in opposite directions was the optimum configuration. Conclusion: Based on our investigations, we believe that bubblewrap is a better product for the prevention of pressure sores. Bubble-wrap results in lower peak and average pressure values than jellypad. Moreover, bubblewrap is cheap, disposable and is less likely to transmit infections.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
