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 Sacral Pressure Ulcers Prevalence, Risk and Cost
A pressure ulcer is defined as a "localized injury to skin and/or underlying tissue, usually over a bony prominence as a result of pressure, or pressure in combination with shear."1
The cost to treat a pressure ulcer can range from $2,000 to $70,000 depending on the stage of the ulcer.2
According to the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, hospital prevalence of pressure ulcers is 14%-17%, and incidence is 7%-9%.3 Sacral pressure ulcers are the most common, accounting for about 37% of all pressure ulcers.4
Incontinence moisture is a risk factor for sacral pressure ulcers. In a study of acute care patients in medical, 37% of all pressure ulcers develop on the sacrum.4 Some type of skin injury was seen in 42.5% of patients who were incontinent.5
Risk Factors6
- Reduced mobility or immobility
- Moisture
- Friction and shearing
- Acute illness
- Extremes of age
- Vascular disease
- Level of consciousness
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