Evidence-Based Medicine: The Evaluation and Treatment of Pressure Injuries

Learning Objective: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Discuss the approach to and rationale for pressure injury management, including specific techniques for prevention and preoperative evaluation. 2. Develop a management algorithm for these wounds that includes operative and nonoperative modalities. 3. Understand how to identify and manage the complications of surgical intervention for pressure injuries, including recurrence. Summary: Pressure injuries are a common problem associated with great morbidity and cost, often presenting as complex challenges for plastic surgeons. Although the cause of these wounds is largely prolonged pressure, the true pathogenesis involves many other factors, including friction, shear, moisture, nutrition, and infection. This article outlines a systematic approach to evaluating and staging pressure injuries, and provides strategies for treatment and prevention. Critical to surgical intervention is thorough débridement, including any involved or causative bony tissues, and postoperative management to prevent wound dehiscence and recurrence.