Abstract - Toward real-time detection of deep tissue injury risk in wheelchair users using Hertz contact theory

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Toward real-time detection of deep tissue injury risk in wheelchair users using Hertz contact theory

Limor Agam, MSc; Amit Gefen, PhD

Individuals with paraplegia or tetraplegia are susceptible to pressure ulcers on their buttocks that are caused by prolonged mechanical compression of the tissues of the buttocks between the sitting surface and the skeleton. This article describes a newly developed device for monitoring these internal tissue loads during daily life and studies conducted in sitting subjects with paraplegia and control subjects on the application of the device to pressure ulcer prevention. When fully validated, the device can be used as an alarm system to inform a wheelchair user or the attending staff that a risk has been detected for developing a deep pressure ulcer before tissue damage actually occurs.

Volume 45 Number 4, 2008
Pages 537 — 550

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