Randomized trial demonstrates the effectiveness of aloe vera and rosemary oil in preventing pressure injuries in orthopedic patients, highlighting potential clinical applications.
Objective Pressure injuries (PIs) are common complications among orthopedic patients. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of aloe vera gel, rosemary oil, and their combination with a control intervention in preventing PIs. Methods A triple-blind randomized four arm parallel clinical trial was conducted among 160 orthopedic patients assigned to four groups: aloe vera–rosemary combination, rosemary oil, aloe vera gel, or control (n=40 each). The assigned spray was applied twice daily for 10 days to pressure-prone areas. Outcomes included PI incidence, skin temperature, and pain intensity. Results The aloe vera–rosemary group demonstrated the lowest incidence of sacral, hip, heel, and total PIs compared with the other groups (p = 0.02, 0.03, 0.03, and 0.009, respectively). Significant reductions in pain intensity were also observed across pressure-prone areas over time (all p < 0.001). Additionally, skin temperature decreased significantly in the intervention groups compared with the control group during follow-up (all p < 0.05). Conclusion The rosemary oil and aloe vera-rosemary oil combination showed positive effectiveness in preventing PIs; it is recommended for use in the prevention of PIs among orthopedic patients.
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Elzeky et al. (2026) studied this question.
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