Pressure sores and paraplegia: an experimental model.

An investigation into the effect of spinal cord transection on pressure sore development is presented and the critical importance of soft tissue atrophy is examined. A technique of spinal laminectomy and spinal cord transection was developed in pigs and shown to have a minimal morbidity rate. Following tissue atrophy, pressure was applied to the paraplegic animals for varying durations. Pressure application was achieved by a computer-controlled application system. The experimental model produced pressure sores extending down to the bone. The resulting tissue damage was assessed, graded, and a pressure-duration curve for paraplegic animals established.