The operative treatment of pressure sores in the pelvic region: A 10-year period overview

• Published in: The journal of spinal cord medicine 2015-07, Vol.38 (4), p.432-438
• Main Authors: Jósvay, János, Klauber, András, Both, Béla, Kelemen, Péter B., Varga, Zsombor Z., Pesthy, Pál Cs
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Decubitus ulcer; Female; Gluteus maximus flap; Hamstring flap; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Musculocutaneous hatchet flap; Pelvic region; Pelvis - pathology; Pelvis - surgery; Pressure Ulcer - etiology; Pressure Ulcer - surgery; Reviews; Skin Transplantation - adverse effects; Spinal Cord Injuries - complications; Tensor fascia lata flap
• ISSN: 1079-0268; 2045-7723
• DOI: 10.1179/2045772314Y.0000000266

Context Pelvic region pressure sores often develop following spinal cord injury. Surgery is often necessary for long standing, large-sized pressure sores not responding to conservative treatment. Authors analyze their results of a 10-year period, and identify factors contributing to the reduction of the recurrence rate. Methods A total of 119 pressure sores were operated on 98 patients in two institutions during a 10-year period (1 January 2003 to 31 December 2012). The encountered perioperative complications are summarized, and the recurrence rate is analyzed with a patient follow-up questionnaire. Results We experienced 15 perioperative complications (12.6%). All complications were fully resolved by conservative treatment. Fifty-eight returned patient replies were processed. The average follow-up time after surgery was 5.2 years. The recurrence rate was 5.47%. Conclusion The strict adherence to surgical indications, full patient compliance, specialized pre- and post-operative patient care, our routinely used preferred surgical method, all contribute to a low post-operative complication rate, long-term flap survival, and an extended recurrence free period.