Open AccessEffects of non contact low‐frequency ultrasound on healing of suspected deep tissue injury: a retrospective analysis
Author(s) -
Honaker Jeremy S,
Forston Michael R,
Davis Emily A,
Wiesner Michelle M,
Morgan Jennifer A
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
international wound journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1742-481X
pISSN - 1742-4801
DOI - 10.1111/j.1742-481x.2012.00944.x
Subject(s) - medicine , wound healing , diabetes mellitus , intervention (counseling) , retrospective cohort study , severity of illness , wound care , surgery , physical therapy , nursing , endocrinology
The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of non contact low‐frequency ultrasound on the healing of suspected deep tissue injury (SDTI). Participants were adults ranging in age from 28 to 93 years old, with multiple diagnoses including anaemia, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Data were examined retrospectively on 85 patients (intervention group = 43 and non intervention group = 42) with 127 SDTI (intervention group = 64 and non intervention group = 63). Participants in both groups received standard of care for treating pressure ulcers. A severity score was used to assess SDTI severity before treatment and healing/progression after treatment. This scale measures surface area, wound colour/tissue assessment, and skin integrity with potential scores of 3 to 18 (higher scores indicate greater severity). A significant difference in changes in wound severity was found ( t = 5·67, P < 0.000). Difference in mean change scores was 2·52 on the 3–18 severity scale. The decrease in wound severity for the intervention group was 1·45. Severity in the non intervention group increased by 1·06. This exploratory study of the effect of the non contact low‐frequency ultrasound provides initial findings that support its use with SDTI.