| |
 Skin breakdowns (also termed "decubitus ulcers") or
pressure
sores are a major complication associated with spinal cord
injury. They occur as a result of excessive pressure, primarily
over the bones of the buttock (particularly the ischial
tuberosities and the trochanters at the hip). Following a spinal
cord injury, there are not only changes in muscle tone and
sensation, but shifts in the supply of blood to the skin and
subcutaneous tissues. Additionally, there is a loss of the
normal elastic nature of the tissues underlying the skin.
Increased stiffness, vascular alterations and alterations in
muscle tone combine to significantly reduce the skin's ability
to withstand pressure. It is estimated that the closing
"pressure" for skin breakdown is between 40 and 50 millimetres
of mercury (about the same amount of pressure as placing a stamp
onto an envelope). This complication is combated fairly
aggressively through the use of pressure-relieving cushions that
are either gel based or consist of a number of air bladders to
reduce the risk of the person "bottoming out". The cost
associated with medical and/or surgical care of a single
decubitus ulcer can run to upwards of £10000 per admission. This
does not take into consideration the loss of productivity if the
individual is in the work place.
Skin Breakdown
pneumonia
Osteoporosis and Fractures
Heterotopic Ossification
Spasticity
Urinary Tract
Infections
Autonomic Dysreflexia
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Pulmonary Embolism
Orthostatic Hypotension
Cardiovascular Disease
Syringomyelia
Neuropathic / Spinal Cord Pain
Medication Problems
Hyperthermia
Hypothermia
Also see - Pressure Sores
|
