Abstract: Effect of Non-Contact Low Frequency Ultrasound treatment on Suspected Deep Tissue Injury Healing (43rd Annual Conference (June 4-8, 2011))
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5015 Effect of Non-Contact Low Frequency Ultrasound treatment on Suspected Deep Tissue Injury Healing

Jeremy Honaker, BSN, RN, CWOCN1, Michael Forston, MPT2, Emily Davis, RN, MSN, CWOCN1, Michelle Wiesner, PT3 and Jennifer Morgan, MPT2, (1)Central Baptist Hospital, Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurse Coordinator, Lexington, KY, (2)Central Baptist Hospital, Physical Therapist, Lexington, KY, (3)Central Baptist Hospital, Associate Director of Rehab Services, Lexington, KY
Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of non-contact low frequency ultrasound (NLFU) on the healing of Suspected Deep Tissue Injury (SDTI). Participants were adults ranging in age from 28 to 93, with multiple diagnoses including anemia, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.   Given the dearth of literature on SDTI, evidence regarding optimal treatment is not available.1,2,3

 

Methods

Data were examined retrospectively on 85 patients (intervention group = 43, non-intervention group = 42) with 127 SDTIs (intervention group = 63, non-intervention group = 64).  Participants in both groups received standard of care for treating pressure ulcers.  The Honaker Severity Scale was used to assess SDTI severity before treatment and healing/progression after treatment.  This scale measures surface area, wound color/tissue assessment, and skin integrity with potential scores of 3 to 18 (higher scores indicate greater severity).  Inferential and descriptive statistics were used to describe the population and examine the effect of the intervention.

Results

Results showed that NLFU was effective in promoting healing of SDTIs.  A significant difference in changes in wound severity was found (t = 5.67, p < .000). Difference in mean change scores was 2.52 on the 3 – 18 severity scale. The decrease in wound severity for the intervention group was 1.06.  Severity in the non-intervention group increased by 1.45.  

The final pressure ulcer stage after the SDTI evolved:

                          Non-intervention group         Intervention group

Unstageable                         40%                                 9%

Stage 4                                 2%                                  1%

Stage 3                                 6%                                  5%

SDTI                                    30%                                 5%

Stage 2                                21%                                62%

Spontaneously resolved           2%                                18%

Conclusion

This exploratory study of the effect of the NLFU provides initial findings that support its use with SDTIs. A funded prospective study is planned to add to the body of knowledge regarding this intervention. 

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