Pressure ulcers after spinal cord injury

Abstract Pressure ulcers are a serious and frequently occurring complication in patients with a traumatic spinal cord injury. The purpose of the article is to consider the causes of pressure ulcers and how to prevent them. The article is based on a non-systematic search in the PubMed database and own clinical experience. 30-40 % of patients with spinal cord injuries develop pressure ulcers during the acute and rehabilitation phases, most frequently over bony prominences such as the sacrum, tuber ischii, heel, malleolus and trochanter. Risk factors are reduced activity/immobility, lack of sensibility, moisture due to urinary or faecal incontinence, muscular atrophy, prolonged time since injury, depression, smoking and poor nutrition. The most important preventive measures are pressure relief, regular change of position and frequent observation of the skin over bony prominences. In most cases, patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries can be prevented from developing pressure ulcers. Prevention saves patients from long-term hospitalisation and the healthcare system from high costs.