Fortnightly Review: Pressure sores

Abstract
Prevalence The prevalence of pressure sores among hospital inpatients in the United Kingdom is 7-8%; it may be even higher in community medicine.8, 9 Elderly people are particularly susceptible, with 70% of all pressure sores occurring in patients aged over 70 years.10 Younger patients usually have an underlying neurological disorder, and patients with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord lesions are particularly susceptible: up to 85% of paraplegics develop a pressure sore.*RF 11- 13* Wheelchair users are also at a special risk, and around a quarter will develop a sore.14