The importance of Seat-To-Back Angle in Pressure Redistribution

Part 9 in our Wound Care Guide series.SeePart 1,Part 2,Part 3,Part 4,Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, and Part 8.Check out our comprehensive, digital Wound Care Guidehere.

What is seat-to-back angle (STBA) and how does it affect pressure redistribution?
STBA is too often misunderstood to be tilt. IT IS NOT tilt but rather the relative angle between the seat and the back support that can be opened or closed to accommodate for ROM limitations. This allows for more surface area contact between the patient and the support surfaces (back support and cushion) for pressure redistribution.

Why replace the wheelchair’s sling back?

Part 8in our Wound Care Guide series.SeePart 1,Part 2,Part 3,Part 4,Part 5,Part 6, and Part 7.Check out our comprehensive, digital Wound Care Guidehere.

I am going to make a bold statement: for every cushion purchased a back support should be purchased with it. No exceptions.
WHAT did she say??? You heard correctly!
I have been asked many times why I feel so strongly about replacing wheelchair sling backs to provide the optimal seating system for our patients. I will provide you with a multitude of reasons, which we will explore in a moment.

Pathway of Wounds: Shear vs Pressure

Part 7in our Wound Care Guide series.SeePart 1,Part 2,Part 3,Part 4,Part 5, and Part 6.Check out our comprehensive, digital Wound Care Guidehere.

Sometimes we get really caught up on the pressure aspect of wound development and don’t really consider that wounds can be caused by more than just pressure alone. In fact, there are three extrinsic factors that really make our patients more susceptible to pressure injuries:

Pressure
Shear
Microclimate