Pressure ulcers also known as bedsores or decubitus ulcers are a major concern in patients who are expected to stay in surgery for an extended period; especially orthopedic surgery where positioning of the patient can play a very pivotal role. These sores occur due to pressure exerted on certain parts of the body for a long time decreasing blood circulation in the skin and tissues. Silicon gel pads especially in areas such as dorsal and ventral surfaces of the body are indispensable items in reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers after surgery and improving patient comfort.

The Role of Silicon Gel Pads

Silicon gel pads are especially used in orthopedic operations as they have a better shock absorbing capacity, and also helps in distributing the total body weight. These pads are made from high quality silicone gel and comfortably mould itself onto the body in a way that distributes pressure on certain sensitive areas and this is especially so for lengthy surgical operations. It allows helping to avoid pressure sores, which are painful and, if left untreated, may become a serious problem.

Supine Position Gel Pads

In orthopedic surgeries the patient is usually in supine position where pressure accumulates on the heels, sacrum, and other bony structures. When employing supine position gel pads particularly at these regions, the levels of pressure sores can be reduced to a great extent. Stating that the gel pads reduce the pressure arising from the body weight of the patient enabling blood circulation and nutrition to the tissues.

These gel pads are also made of silicone which makes it possible for them to maintain the stability of the situation during the entire process of the surgery. They do not slide as other furniture types and thus offer support in a fixed position with minimum changes to cause pressure sores.

Prone Position Gel Pads

In operations in which the patient is placed in a prone position for example in spinal or orthopedic operations then some pressure points that develop are the chest, hip or forehead. Due to the increased susceptibilities of these areas, prone position gel pads are aimed at the protection of such areas. Such gel pads not only provide comfort but also redistribute the pressure so that areas of the body prone to develop an ulcer do not come under pressure.

The softness and rigidity of silicone gel used in making the pads made it easy for the pads to sustain the body weight in the prone position thus keeping the body aligned especially during surgery. This helps to relieve stress on those areas and encourages proper blood flow so as to eliminate pressure ulcers.

Conclusion

In orthopedic surgery, patients are at high risk of developing pressure sores therefore, prevention of pressure sores is very important. Silicon gel pads, one being the supine position gel pad, the other being the prone position gel pad is very useful in this aim. They play important roles, help maintain the correct position of the patient’s body and make them comfortable especially in long operations hence are important in today’s surgery practice.