Surgery for pressure ulcers in spinal cord-injured patients following a structured treatment programme: a 10-year follow-up

This study assessed the long-term results of a structured treatment program for spinal cord-injured patients undergoing surgery for pressure ulcers. The program included specific guidelines for pre- and post-operative care and rehabilitation. The study found that the program led to good initial healing rates and low recurrence of ulcers, especially in the first few years after surgery. Patients also reported an improved health status. These findings suggest that structured treatment programs can be beneficial for spinal cord-injured patients who require surgery for pressure ulcers.

• 1
  At one month postoperatively, 96% of patients were completely healed.
• 2
  Within 3 years of surgery, 11% of patients developed recurrent or new ulcers.
• 3
  Health status values, measured using a visual analogue rating scale, improved from a median of 30 preoperatively to 70 at both 3 and 10 years postoperatively.