The Decubitus Ulcer in Clinical Practice

Background.- 1 Bedsores over the Centuries.- 2 Decubitus: The Word.- 3 Incidence, Prevalence, and Classification.- 4 Assessment and Grading.- Clinical Aspects.- 5 Pathophysiology.- 6 Clinical Picture.- 7 Atlas.- 8 Histopathology.- 9 Bacteriology.- Therapy - General.- 10 Medical Management.- 11 Surgical Management.- 12 Rehabilitation Approach.- Therapy - Specific.- 13 Occlusive Dressings.- 14 Support Systems.- 15 Antimicrobial Therapy.- 16 Nutritional Perspectives.- 17 Incontinence Management.- Additional Concepts.- 18 Legal Aspects of Medical Malpractice: Cases Involving Decubitus Ulcers.- 19 Can Do, Ought To? Decision: Is It Truly Dilemma?.- 20 Decubitus Ulcers in Animals.

This volume addresses the problems of how to recognize the pressure ulcer and what to do for it. Beginning with discussions of etiology and pathology, chapters follow on the clinical and histologic picture of the condition, as well as the various complications encountered. For effective management, the health worker needs to be able to classify and grade the decubitus ulcer in order to evaluate the medical or surgical therapy to be employed. Additional chapters detail the types of dressings, support systems, and antimicrobial therapy to be used.