What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed the diverse and often controversial treatment modalities for pressure sores, including decubitus ulcers, particularly in nursing home settings.
What They Found
They found that successful treatment of pressure sores requires correct evaluation of whether the sore is superficial or deep, open or closed. Superficial sores are managed conservatively with cleanliness, pressure relief, and air exposure, while deep sores often require surgical debridement and adjunctive therapies like proteolytic enzymes, despite their limitations. Maintaining cleanliness and dryness is crucial for all pressure sore management.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients suffering from pressure sores can expect their care to be tailored based on a thorough evaluation of their sore's depth and type. Emphasizing basic principles like cleanliness, dryness, and pressure relief remains fundamental to their treatment and recovery.
Canadian Relevance
This study does not have a direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
This study is a review of existing, often controversial, treatment practices for pressure sores from 1976, rather than presenting new clinical trial data.