Pressure sores and paraplegia: an experimental model.
An investigation into the effect of spinal cord transection on pressure sore development is presented and the critical importance of soft tissue atrophy is examined. A technique of spinal laminectomy and spinal cord transection was developed in pigs and shown to have a minimal morbidity rate. Following tissue atrophy, pressure was applied to the paraplegic animals for varying durations. Pressure application was achieved by a computer-controlled application system. The experimental model produced pressure sores extending down to the bone. The resulting tissue damage was assessed, graded, and a pressure-duration curve for paraplegic animals established.
D000818:Animals; D007511:Ischemia / Q000150:complications; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000150:complications*; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000209:etiology; D013552:Swine