Pressure Ulcer

Pressure ulcer (thesaurus synonyms: Decubitus presacralis; decubitus sacralis; decubital ulcer; decubital ulcer of leg; decubital ulcer of foot; decubital ulcer of thigh; decubital ulcer of coccyx; decubital ulcerAnaldecubitus; Decubital ulcer of heel; Decubital ulcer of hip; Decubital ulcer of calf; Decubital ulcer of back; Decubital ulcer of anal area; Decubital ulcer of sacrum; Decubital ulcer of sacral region; Decubital infection; Decubital necrosis; Decubital ulcer; Decubital ulcer of pelvis; Decubital ulcer of elbow joint; Decubital ulcer of foot; Decubital ulcer of os sacrum; Decubital ulcer at back; Decubital ulcer at rump; Decubital ulcer at coccyx; Decubital ulcer at lower leg; Decubital ulcer at heel; Decubitus; Decubitus at outer ankle; Decubitus at iliac crest; Decubitus at spinous process; Decubitus at foot; Decubitus at head; Decubitus at sacrum; Decubitus at os sacrum; Decubitus at back; Decubitus at ischium; Decubitus at coccyx; Coccygeal decubitus; Trochanteric decubitus; Lower leg decubitus; Anal decubitus; Heel decubitus; Upper extremity decubitus; Calf decubitus; Decubitus at toe; Decubitus ulcer; Decubitus at sacral region; Decubitus at sacral region; Pressure necrosis; Pressure ulcer; Pressure ulcer at os sacrum; Pressure ulcer at heel; Gangrene in decubitus; Skin damage from pressure; Patch ulcer; Presacral decubital ulcer; Presacral decubital ulcer; Sacral decubital necrosis; Sacral decubital ulcer; Sacral decubital ulcer; ICD-10-GM L89. -: Decubital ulcer and pressure zone) refers to an ulcer (sore) of the skin or mucosa that results from prolonged exposure to pressure.

The decubitus ulcer is often a serious complication.

The Institute for Innovations in Health Care and Applied Nursing Research estimates the cost of pressure ulcer therapy at up to 50,000 euros per case. The treatment of decubital ulcers costs up to four billion euros annually.

Prevalence peak: A pressure ulcer mainly affects elderly people in need of care.

Data on prevalence (disease incidence) vary. Approximately 400,000 pressure ulcer cases occur per year in Germany. Approximately 10% of hospital patients, 20% of those in need of care in a home environment and approximately 30% of residents in nursing homes and geriatric clinics suffer from pressure sores.

Course and prognosis: Decubiti usually heal poorly and slowly. In addition, the risk of bacterial infection is increased. This is why appropriate pressure ulcer prophylaxis is so important. If the decubitus is not treated in time, necrosis (death of tissue) occurs and must be surgically removed. After the pressure ulcer heals, there is an increased risk of recurrence (recurrence of the disease) for a period of time.