New perspectives in the treatment of decubitus ulcers

Although the consequences of prolonged lying on a hard surface are as old as the human race, publications on this subject are scarce. This is due to the fact that a decubitus ulcer never occurs in isolation but is nearly always a complication of some other condition. The term "decubitus" was already used by Hildnaus in 1590 and is derived from the Latin word decumbere which means "lying down". The most important fact to keep in mind is that pressure sores can be prevented. This is the reason why this article not only discusses the management of pressure sores but also the importance of preventive measures. The basis of effective treatment is early detection and an adequate knowledge of the fundamental pathological process. Only adequate preventive measures, careful examination of the lesions, and a thorough knowledge of the products used can avoid unnecessary suffering by patients.