Factors associated with pressure ulcer onset after knee replacement

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Patient Care
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a concern in orthopedic surgery patients.
• Identifying patients at risk for PUs is crucial for effective prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of pressure ulcers (PUs) in patients undergoing knee replacement.
• To identify predictive factors for PU development.
• To evaluate the predictive capability of the Braden scale for PUs.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective prognostic cohort study was conducted.
• Data were collected from 565 consecutive patients undergoing knee replacement surgery.
• Patient characteristics and care methods were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The overall incidence of PUs was 2.3%.
• Age (OR=1.08), body mass index (BMI, OR=1.13), and Braden scale score (OR=0.72) were significant predictors.
• A combination of these factors demonstrated strong predictive accuracy (AUC 84%).

Conclusions:

• Age, BMI, and preoperative Braden scale score are independent predictors of PUs in knee replacement patients.
• Combining these factors enhances the identification of high-risk individuals.
• This aids in targeted preventive interventions.