The efficacy of six heel pressure reducing devices.

Abstract

Twenty to 90 percent of pressure ulcers are located on the heel. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pressure exerted on the heel when the foot in both the supine and the 30 degree elevated position was placed in various heel pressure reducing devices. Interface pressures of six heel devices were measured to determine their performance. Other factors, such as body weight, height shoe size, shoe width, as well as whether the device provided leg support were examined.