Abstract
PURPOSE: We lack a clear understanding of the mechanisms of damage associated with suspected deep tissue injuries (SDTI) and sufficient evidence to determine the efficacy of various preventive interventions. The purpose of this article is to evaluate noncontact low-frequency ultrasound (NLFU) as one component of a preventive program designed for preventing SDTI from progressing to higher-stage pressure ulcers.
CASES: In March 2009, we added NLFU treatments daily for 5 days, then every other day until healed, to our prevention protocol in order to prevent progression of SDTI to a higher-stage pressure ulcer. We report the course and outcomes of 6 SDTIs that were treated adjunctively with NLFU. Treatment was limited to patients with an SDTI identified within 3 to 4 days of onset.
CONCLUSION: Following the addition of NLFU to the SDTI plan of care, these 6 cases of SDTI did not progress to advanced-stage pressure ulcers. These initial findings suggest that the addition of NLFU to SDTI identified within 3 to 4 days of onset may be effective for preventing progression to higher-stage pressure ulcers.