Heel offloading: Across the Canadian continuum of care

The prevalence of heel pressure ulcers in one study within the orthopedic population ranges from 9-19%.¹  To prevent heel pressure ulcers, the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory panel recommends to, “Use heel suspension devices that elevate and offload the heel completely in such a way as to distribute the weight of the leg along the calf without placing pressure on the Achilles tendon. Heel suspension devices are preferable for long term use, or for individuals who are not likely to keep their legs on the pillows.” ²

This poster cites four case studies where the use of an easy to use, safe and cost effective heel suspension device contributed to wound healing.

#1:  68 year old female Home Health patient with multiple sclerosis presented with a stage 2 pressure ulcer on her left heel.  Complete healing occurred by week 10 using moist wound healing and a heel suspension device.

#2:  74 year old female in a residential care facility with an unstageable pressure ulcer on her left heel. Complete closure occurred in 12 weeks utilizing moist wound healing and a heel suspension device.

 #3: 70 year old male with vascular compromise developed a Stage 4 heel pressure ulcer post revascularization. Utilizing moist wound healing, surgical debridement and a heel suspension device the wound healed in 6 months.

#4 83 year old male in a residential care facility with bilateral stage 4 pressure ulcers. Utilizing moist wound healing; conservative sharp wound debridement and a heel suspension device these wounds healed despite a maintenance goal.

 Heel pressures ulcers are prevalent across the continuum of care.  Suspending the heels off the bed utilizing a heel suspension device aids in healing of pressure ulcers. Decreasing the incidence and prevalence of pressure ulcers requires the offloading device to be easy to use, safe and cost effective.