Pressure ulcers in orthopaedics.

Pressure ulcers can be a devastating complication in the care of orthopaedic patients. Their presence leads to increased morbidity, mortality, and cost of care. Therapy and rehabilitation cannot progress on a normal postoperative course in the patient with a pressure ulcer. Risk factors for the development of pressure ulcers include spinal cord injury, advanced age, and cognitive impairment. Several grading scales have been developed for the assessment of pressure ulcer. Frequent patient turning, close monitoring, and frequent skin checks are important factors in the prevention of pressure ulcer.