shutterstock_157659614Paxton, IL

Terri Freehill-Davis, PT
Kelly Ficklin, PT/DOR

 

Patient: Male, 86 yo
Primary Diagnosis: UTI
Existing Wheelchair Seating: Standard 18 inch wheelchair with 3 inch foam cushion

Positioning / clinical Issues:

  • Stage 3 pressure ulcer on coccyx limited all seated activities due to severe pain
  • Poor compliance with patient getting up and out of bed for therapy and meals
  • Significant strength deficits & limited endurance due to recent hospitalization
  • Severe wound pain initially with 5 min sitting tolerance
  • PostureWorks Intervention: Matrix Medium Profile cushion

Outcome:

  • Significant pain relief after trialing the cushion for only 3 days
  • Patient is sitting up in the wheelchair for meals with less pain complaints
  • Improved seated posture noted on Matrix-as he is not leaning laterally to decrease pressure on the
    wound
  • In 1 week’s time the size has decreased from 1.5cm x 1cm x 1.4 cm to 1cm x .7cm x 1 cm-also has a
    wound vac now
  • Currently mild pain rating with sitting tolerance of 1 hr 10 min

Feedback from Patient, Therapist or Nursing (Quote):

“I would recommend this cushion for use on patients with painful pressure ulcers.”

Note: This is a representative example; actual user evaluations, and decisions regarding the
appropriateness of a particular product for a particular individual, should always be made by a qualified
healthcare professional.

Wheelchair Seating Case Study: Positioning & Pain Reduction
POSITIONING CASE STUDY-Silver Care Basic