What is a Pressure Sore?

A pressure sore, also called a decubitis ulcer, is an area of epidermis where the tissue degrades because a patient fails to change positions for extended periods of time. The unrelieved pressure constricts blood vessels, starving the skin of nutrients and oxygen causing sores on the epidermis. Most often, pressure sores develop where skin covers bony prominences. For wheelchair-bound patients, the sacrum and the ischial tuberosities are most vulnerable. Pressure sores are a serious problem especially in parapalegics; their nerves are incapable of sending pain or discomfort messages to the brain to prompt a position change (2). When left untreated, pressure sores can progress from a small irritated patch of skin to a variety of serious complications that include bacteremia, osteomyelitis, squamous cell carcinoma and sinus tracts (see Figure below). Recovery requires additional weeks of hospitalization or bed rest to allow the sore(s) to heal; this means an even longer recovery time and time away from home and work.    

(http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/19092.htm)

How can it be prevented?

Fortunately, pressure sores can easily be prevented through a series of pressure relief exercises. The exercise of shifting to the left or right every fifteen minutes for fifteen seconds helps the patients to relieve pressure from their sacrum and ischial tuberosities . By developing an automated multi-sensor wheelchair pressure timer that reminds the patient to conduct these exercises, not only can pressure sores be avoided, but also more independence is given to the patient. This reduces the responsibility of caretakers and nurses, who in turn have more time for other patients