The Treatment of Presures Sores, Bed Sores and Decubitus Ulcers Costs Over One Billion Dollars In The United States Annually

Written by Adam Peck Category: Nursing Homes January 23rd, 2013 3 min read

Pressure sores also known as Bed Sores and Decubitus Ulcers have probably existed since the dawn of our infirm species. They have been noted in unearthed Egyptian mummies and addressed in scientific writings since the early 1800s. Presently, treatment of pressure sores in the United States is estimated to cost in excess of $1 billion annually says California Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney Steven Peck.

Pressure is exerted on the skin, soft tissue, muscle, and bone by the weight of an individual against a surface beneath. These pressures are often in excess of capillary filling pressure, approximately 32 mm Hg. In patients with normal sensitivity, mobility, and mental faculty, pressure sores do not occur. Feedback, conscious and unconscious, from the areas of compression leads individuals to change body position. These changes shift the pressure prior to any irreversible tissue damage.

Individuals who are unable to avoid long periods of uninterrupted pressure over bony prominences–a group of patients that typically includes elderly individuals, persons who are neurologically impaired, and patients who are acutely hospitalized–are at increased risk for the development of necrosis and ulceration. These individuals cannot protect themselves from the pressure exerted on their body unless they consciously change position or have assistance in doing so. Even the most conscientious patient with an extensive support group and unlimited financial resources may develop ulceration resulting from a brief lapse in avoidance of the ill effects of pressure.

Two thirds of pressure sores occur in patients older than 70 years. The prevalence rate in nursing homes is estimated to be 17-28%.

Among patients who are neurologically impaired, pressure sores occur with an annual incidence of 5-8%, with lifetime risk estimated to be 25-85%. Moreover, pressure sores are listed as the direct cause of death in 7-8% of all paraplegics.

Patients hospitalized with acute illness have a pressure sore incidence rate of 3-11%. In a study of 658 patients aged 65 years or older who underwent surgery for hip fracture, Baumgarten et al found that 36.1% developed an acquired pressure sore within 32 days after hospital admission.(an acquired pressure sore is one that arose after hospital admission and had reached stage II or higher.) Although the 32-day period included time spent by patients in rehabilitation facilities and nursing homes, the highest incidence rate for pressure sores occurred during the patients’ acute hospital stays.

Disturbingly, even with current medical and surgical therapies, patients who achieve a healed wound have recurrence rates of as high as 90%.

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Written by Adam Peck

Expertise: Personal Injury

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.