A literature review of different pressure ulcer models from 1942-2005 and the development of an ideal animal model.

The literature from 1942-2005 was reviewed in order to determine an inexpensive animal model which can closely mimic pressure ulcers seen in humans of varying ages, without the need for surgical procedures. Two animal models for producing pressure ulcers were found to be inexpensive: pigs to mimic pressure ulcers in young humans due to their fixed skin, and rats to mimic pressure ulcers in the elderly due to their loose skin. The methods which were found to be inexpensive, reproducible, non-invasive and easy to carry out without the need of a surgeon or specialist were the use of magnets for rat models and the use of a cast placed over a bony prominence for pig models.