Lateral rotation mattresses for wound healing.

Continuous lateral rotation therapy utilizes mattresses and beds that move the patient in a regular pattern around a longitudinal axis. Although these devices have been used for several decades for other medical purposes, literature is scant regarding their role in the treatment of skin breakdown in the bedridden, difficult-to-reposition patient. A descriptive study was undertaken to ascertain the rate of wound healing and number of weeks to achieve wound closure when continuous lateral rotation therapy was employed in patients with partial-thickness (n=10) and full-thickness (n=20) ulcers on the trunk or pelvis. Patients receiving the services of Advanced Therapy Surfaces in home or long-term care between March 15, 2002 and April 1, 2003 were enrolled. Partial-thickness wounds healed at an average rate of 16.68% per week, with an average time for continuous lateral rotation therapy of 9.25 weeks. Full-thickness wounds healed at an average rate of 14.38% per week (time to healing 11.25 weeks). No additional areas of skin breakdown were observed. These encouraging results suggest that additional research is warranted.