Epidemiology of Pressure Sore in Spinal Cord Injured Patients

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To provide epidemiologic data of the pressure sores and to determine the most effective prevention and treatment methods. METHOD: Seventy patients with pressure sores who were admitted to the Rehabilitation Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine from 1991 to 1995 were included in this study. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 36. Traffic accident was the most common(46 cases) cause of injury, followed by falling injury. Thirty-one patients developed pressure sores at home, while 39 patients in various hospitals. According to Frankel's classification, 51 cases were Frankel A, 13 cases were Frankel B, 5 cases were Frankel C and none was Frankel D. Sacrum was the most common site of the sore followed by buttock, ischial tuberosity, greater trochanter, and coccyx. Among many factors investigated, the anemia and hypotension had a significant correlation with the healing time. The treatment methods were variable among the patients depending on the size and severity of the sores. The severe and larger lesions required more surgical managements. CONCLUSION: The results support that an intensive prevention is necessary at homes as well as at the hospitals. More educational programs should be provided not only for the patients, but also for the hospital personnels.