Pressure Sores - Clinical Scenario

A 55-year-old male with paraplegia due to a spinal cord injury from a motor vehicle accident 10 years ago presents with a chronic, non-healing wound over his right ischial tuberosity. He has been bedbound for three months, attributed to recurrent urinary tract infections and worsening muscle spasticity. The wound has worsened over the past month, with purulent discharge and a malodor. His caregiver reports an increase in the wound’s size despite regular dressings.

Objectives:
1. Understand the aetiology and risk factors of pressure ulcers, including immobility and comorbidities.
2. Outline the assessment of pressure ulcers, including grading and clinical evaluation.
3. Outline the principles of multidisciplinary management.
4. Consider flap options available for reconstruction.

Primary Contributor: Dr Kurt Lee Chircop, Educational Fellow.
Reviewer: Dr Waruguru Wanjau, Educational Fellow.