Technical note: A pilot study on the interface pressure of thoraco-pelvic support devices used for spinal surgery in prone position.
The interface pressure of four commonly used thoraco-pelvic support devices is the focus of this study (Fig. 1): foam cushion, inflatable supports (IPS), Wilson frame and Steffee blocks. The devices were each tested on three healthy subjects, having first placed them awake on the device. The interface pressure was determined by means of a pressure mapping system. Peak pressure (Fig. 1) and mean pressure values (Fig. each device was analyzed, and pressure mapping images (Fig. 4) were prepared for them.
The peak and mean interface pressure were 40% and 50% lower for both the foam cushions and inflatable support device, respectively, compared to the Wilson frame and Steffee blocks (p < 0.005). In addition, pressure mapping images showed more equal pressure redistribution in the foam cushions and inflatable support device.
P.R.A.M. Depauw, G.J. Rutten, E. Van Eeckhoven, D. Jansen
Figure 4: When considering a threshold of 150 mmHg the inflatable supports showed no compression area’s but the Wilson frame and Steffee showed significant areas at risk.