Abstract
A cross-sectional survey was done to clarify the incidence of pressure sores in 218 self-supported Japanese paraplegic patients and to determine effective measures for prevention. The majority of patients (85.7%) had previous pressure sores, and 46.3% had undergone multiple surgeries. Some patients (17.9%) were still suffering from persistent sores which commonly developed at the ischial tuberosities, suggesting insufficiency of self-care practice during wheelchair activities. Sensory disturbance over the seating surface, urinary incontinence, and general complications were seen in 85.8%, 49.5%, and 18.8% of total subjects, respectively. They were seen as risk factors for pressure sores, but only urinary incontinence clearly increased the current pressure sore prevalence. Nevertheless, both self-care practice and sports activities, seen in 85.3% and 36.2% of total subjects, respectively, contributed to greatly reduce the incidence. A patient education system including acquisition of basic knowledge and proper technique should be established to promote effective prevention of pressure sores in Japan.
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Sumiya, T., Kawamura, K., Tokuhiro, A. et al. A survey of wheelchair use by paraplegic individuals in Japan. Part 2: Prevalence of pressure sores. Spinal Cord 35, 595–598 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.sc.3100467
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.sc.3100467
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