Pressure sores

Pressure sores are a common problem and have a major effect on patient morbidity, mortality, rehabilitation and health care expenditures. A general lack of knowledge or interest in this problem has fostered inadequate preventive care and poor understanding of treatment. Pressure sores occur most frequently in two populations: patients with spinal cord injuries and elderly patients. Pressure sores develop in 25% to 85% of all patients with spinal cord injuries and resulting complications account for 7% to 8% of deaths in this group. Surveys of general hospitals have shown that pressure sores develop in 3% to 4.5% of patients during their hospital stay. The prevalence of pressure ulceration increases greatly with age, with patients older than 70 years of age accounting for 70% of all those afflicted. In this age group, 70% of all pressure sores develop within two weeks of admission to hospital.