Ischial Pelvic Alignment, and understanding why it's important

What are ITs?

ITs are better referred to as the “sit bones” since they are where the weight of the body is held when someone is seated. These are also the area most at risk of developing pressure injuries when someone is sat incorrectly. Having a chair and commode seat with the correct aperture position guides the user’s bottom to an enhanced seated position which will improve the position of the spine and reduce the risk of pressure injuries.

The importance of managing pressure

Pressure injuries are a serious concern for clients who spend a lot of time in a seated position, particularly on a commode. This is because there is less surface area on a commode seat than on a wheelchair cushion.

Highly localised pressure can cause a blockage in blood capillaries, cutting off blood supply. Over time, this can lead to pressure injuries or necrosis (death) of the tissue in that area.

A shower chair with tilt function can distribute the pressure, therefore reducing sitting pressures.

The relevance of the position of the pelvis relative to the aperture

A person’s weight and natural pelvic alignment can affect how they are positioned in a shower chair. A larger person will need a seat that is further forward with a slackened backrest to accommodate a shelf. However, with the RAZ shower commode chair, both the seat depth and angle can be slightly adjusted to accommodate users of all sizes.

The IPAS seat system enables the commode seat to be moved forward or backward within a 50mm range. It also facilitates a lateral seat adjustment of 25mm to position the user’s ITs optimally within aperture. The ability to move the commode aperture under the pelvis using the RAZ IPAS system enables better pressure redistribution, improved comfort, and a lower risk of injury.

Understanding your client's ischial alignment

To get the best product for your client, it’s essential to understand their ischial alignment. This will enable you to align these with the aperture of their commode seat.

Pelvic and aperture alignment has a direct impact on the success of toileting. By understanding your client’s ischial pelvic alignment and adjusting the RAZ IPAS accordingly, you can help reduce toileting time and any distress that it causes, improve client comfort, and diminish the risk of pressure sores and injuries.

For a visual presentation on the Ischial Pelvic Alignment System and its benefits, watch this short video.

There's so much to learn about the RAZ shower chair range 

Every patient is unique and deserves a chair that's tailored to their specific requirements. The position of the ITs relative to the shower chair back support is affected by various factors including client size, sitting posture and posterior tissue. Thankfully, the RAZ shower chair contains many adjustable elements including aperture location, armrest height, back angle and footrest lengths. You can even choose from different seat depths and widths.

For more in-depth look at the RAZ and the unique Ischial Pelvic Alignment System and how it can benefit your client, book a RAZ CPD session for you and your team today.