Log Rolling

Once cleared by the surgeon, it is perfectly okay to turn a patient after a surgery is done. Surgery is done to mobilise the patient, and this mobilisation is first and foremost necessary to avoid occurrence of pressure ulcers or bedsores.

The process of turning a patient is called ‘log rolling’. At least three persons are required for log rolling – one to support them head, one to support trunk and one to hold the leg. On the count of 3, they turn the patient as a log rather than segmental rotation of the head first, body next and legs last. As a log, he is turned to the left or right, and pillows are placed at the back to ensure that he does not roll back.

Persons with complete spinal cord injury are always at risk of pressure ulcers (bed sores). Persons with incomplete injury will be at risk till they get some sensation. So by default in the initial few months turn every spinal injured person once every 2 hours. This has to continue until it is proven that there is sensation.

Position changing protocol must also be followed for persons managed non-surgically.