UC Davis

Introduction

Hospital-acquired pressure ulcer/injury (HAPU/I) often occurs postoperatively despite preventative interventions. The authors recently found an increasing incidence of HAPU/I in patients having prolonged operating room (OR) procedures in both the bent knee and lithotomy positions.

Objective

The aim of this study was to measure and compare 2 different OR surfaces in both the supine with bent knees position and the supine in lithotomy position. The authors sought to identify the most effective pressure redistribution surface in different positions to prevent HAPU/I in surgical patients.

Materials and methods

Using a pressure mapping device, the authors measured and compared 5 volunteers on the standard OR surface and on the standard surface with the static, air-filled cushion on top.

Results

Use of the static, air-filled seat cushion placed on top of the standard OR surface resulted in lower peak pressures and higher skin contact surface area than the standard OR surface alone.

Conclusions

This study showed that use of the static, air-filled seat cushion on top of the standard OR surface resulted in superior pressure redistribution properties in both the supine with bent knees position and supine in lithotomy position compared with the standard OR surface alone.