Postural Support System
Also written as: PSS — Postural Support System
The collective assembly of seating components—including cushions, lateral supports, headrests, and footrests—designed to maintain a user's alignment and prevent deformity in a wheelchair.
Full Definition
A postural support system (PSS) refers to all custom or configurable components integrated into a wheelchair or seating system to maintain optimal body alignment, distribute pressure, and prevent secondary musculoskeletal complications such as scoliosis or windswept hip deformity. Components within a PSS include pelvic belts, lateral trunk supports, anterior trunk supports, lateral hip guides, headrests, footrests, and the seat cushion. Editors must recognise that 'postural support system' is the preferred clinical term over 'special seating' or 'adaptive seating' in professional and funding documentation. Each component is often assigned its own HCPCS code, making precise naming essential for billing accuracy.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'postural support system' in formal and funding documents. 'Adaptive seating' or 'special seating' may appear in older literature but are less precise.
In Context
- "The postural support system included a custom-moulded seat, bilateral lateral trunk supports, and a sub-ASIS bar to address the client's pelvic obliquity." — Seating evaluation report
- "Editors should ensure that each component of the postural support system is itemised separately, with its corresponding HCPCS code, in the funding submission." — Editorial compliance note