The heel and ankle bone are the second and fifth most common sites for pressure ulcer development¹. In a study of 5,947 patients in 25 hospitals in 5 European countries, pressure ulcer prevalence was 18.1% (Grade I-IV).

The heel and ankle bone are the second and fifth most common sites for pressure ulcer development. In a study of 5,947 patients in 25 hospitals in 5 European countries, pressure ulcer prevalence was 18.1% (Grade I-IV).

Risk Factors for Pressure Ulcers^4,5

• The annual cost of treating heel pressure ulcers is a staggering €1.5 to €2.4 billion.^6,‡
• The cost of treating a grade I pressure ulcer is £1,064/€1,234. The cost of treating a grade IV pressure ulcer is £10,551/€12,238⁷.
• Costs increase with wound grade, ranging from €1,325 to €19,900 for a grade I, II or III ulcer, to €46,000 for a complex, full-thickness grade IV ulcer.^8,‡

Prevalon® Pressure-Relieving Heel Protector completely off loads the heel delivering total, continuous pressure relief. It helps minimise pressure, friction and shear on the feet, heels and ankles of non-ambulatory patients. This provides extra protection for at-risk heels, much more than special support surfaces like beds, mattresses and overlays.¹⁰

3.1 Ensure that heels are free of the surface of the bed. (Strength of evidence = C)
3.2 Heel protection devices should elevate the heel completely (off load) in such a way as to distribute the weight of the leg along the calf without putting pressure on the Achilles tendon.The knee should be in slight flexion. (Strength of evidence = C)
3.3 Use a pillow under the calves to elevate the heels (floating heels). (Strength of evidence = B)
3.4 Inspect the skin of the heels regularly. (Strength of evidence = C)

4 Elevate the heel completely (off load) in such a way as to distribute the weight of the leg along the calf without putting all the pressure on the Achilles tendon. The knee should be in slight flexion. (Strength of evidence = C)

5 Elevate the individual’s heels during surgery to reduce the risk of pressure ulcer occurrence on the heel. (Strength of evidence = C)

Incorporating a heel pressure ulcer prevention protocol—combined with implementation of pressure-relieving devices and early identification of high-risk patient populations has been proven to reduce the risk of developing heel pressure ulcers¹. This sample protocol, authored by Joyce Black, is available for download at: www.sageproductsglobal.com/en/clinSupport/SampleProtocols.cfm.

To ensure proper use of Prevalon®, a Decision Tree* was presented at the 2008 Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) Conference— clearing up the mystery behind the use of “rigid” ankle-foot orthotics (AFOs) and heel protectors for the non-ambulatory patient².

A study at a 550-bed nursing home assessed the impact of a heel pressure ulcer protection protocol using Prevalon®. The facility saw a 95% reduction in heel pressure ulcer development¹.

Besides a 100% prevention in both heel ulcers and foot drop, an evaluation of Prevalon in one facility compared to the projected costs of treating heel pressure ulcers revealed an annual revenue preservation of €1.30 million!^2,‡