[Pressure sores: management and treatment]

The global management of pressure sores is best ensured with a multidisciplinary approach. We present the experience of the "Groupe de Travail Escarres" (Pressure Sore Workgroup) which gathers physicians and nurses interested with this pathology. The majority of the decubitus ulcers will heal spontaneously with a conservative treatment only. This treatment typically aims at relieving the causes that lead to pressure sores, at eliminating the necrotic tissues, at obtaining favourable local conditions to allow wound healing and at controlling the health status of the patient. Surgical treatment of pressure sores is indicated when wound healing does not occur and when the health status of the patient is sufficiently good. Defect coverage is best carried out using myocutaneous flaps since their excellent blood supply allows a good cleansing of the wound.