UW Madison School of Medicine & Public Health Clinical Report
October 30, 2006
To Whom It May Concern,
Medical History and Level of Function
Your Client Keith [***], was diagnosed with a T-8 spinal cord injury due to a motor vehicle accident. This condition has resulted in a complete paralysis below the waist and lower extremities. He has a history of bilateral ischial and coccyx decubitus ulcers. Since 2001, he has a power wheelchair for his mobility and power tilt weight shifts.
Level of Function
Keith needs assistance dressing, bathing, transfers, and some sitting balance. He is modified independent with power wheelchair mobility using a joystick. He is modified independent for weight shifts and uses a power tilt system.
Current Equipment
Mr. Keith has a Sunrise Medical power wheelchair (Quickie) with a power tilt system. He used a variety of cushions to help prevent skin breakdown; however, none have helped to stabilize his problems until now. Cushions that have been ruled out include Cloud, ROHO High Profile, and Jay 4 gel cushions. When Mr. Keith was seen as the University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics, he had bilateral ischial decubitus ulcers. His sitting time was an hour or two. He was loaned an Airpulse PK cushion. He is starting to sit for periods of three to seven hours per day. The Airpulse PK cushion is being recommended since it has allowed Keith to continue to heal (without setback, including new ulcers) and increased sitting time.
Recommended Equipment
Airpulse PK cushion with extra cover. This is the only cushion we have identified to allow Keith to sit between three to seven hours per day without additional skin breakdown. This cushion will help your client avoid costly surgery to correct pressure sores.
Thank you for your immediate attention to these items, which are essential to your client’s good health, independence, and safety.
Sincerely,
Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS
Associate Professor of Surgery
Residency Program Director
Chief of Plastic Surgery, Wm S Middleton VA Hospital
Read the original report here: Case Study: University of Wisconsin – School of Medicine and Public Health