The thoracic suspension orthosis--a seating option for patients with pressure ulcers.
OBJECTIVE
For patients with pressure ulcers, wound healing and prevention are important steps in reducing disability. Ulcers that fail to heal adequately may interfere with normal sitting. By relieving pressure, the thoracic suspension orthosis (TSO) may allow some patients with recurrent pressure ulcers to return to sitting and sit for longer periods.


METHODS
In this retrospective case series, 6 patients with chronic pressure ulcers were managed with TSO. Each patient had at least one of the following: (1) severe, non-healing pressure ulcers unresponsive to standard therapy, (2) recurrent ulcers requiring multiple surgeries, (3) chronic pain associated with sitting, or (4) bilateral lower extremity amputation resulting in instability or ischial pain in the seated position.


RESULTS
Each participant had a favorable functional outcome. Patients were able to resume modified sitting. Others were able to sit for longer periods. Some have used the TSO for long-term management.


CONCLUSIONS
A TSO is an additional seating option for patients with chronic pressure ulcer, chronic pain associated with sitting, or bilateral lower extremity amputation. It is recommended after less restrictive, conservative measures have failed. In some patients, it has been used in lieu of extreme surgical measures.
Rindflesch
Aaron B
AB
Inpatient Rehabilitation Spinal Cord Injury Program, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Medical Center, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA. rindflesch.aaron@mayo.edu
Miller
Neil E
NE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014910:Wheelchairs