An integrated system for the management of decubitus ulcers

Background. The purpose of this article is to draw closer attention to a particularly important orthopedic problem: the prevention and early treatment of decubitus ulcers (bedsores). Material and methods. We retrospectively analyzed medical documentation for all orthopedic patients seen in our clinic during the period 1997-2003 (a total of 13,710 patients), and treated in accordance with an in-house protocol. Results. There were 3,061 patients (22.3% of all hospitalized) classified as high risk for decubitus ulcers. During the 7-year observation period, decubitus ulcers began to form in 103 patients, which comes to 0.42-1.49% of all orthopedic patients hospitalized each year. We observed a decreased incidence during the period in question; in the last year, 2003, 4.7% of the high-risk patients developed decubitus ulcers. Conclusions. Therapeutic success depends on effective cooperation between physicians and nurses.