title: MOC-PSSM CME article: Pressure sores.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand and describe the physiology of pressure sore development. 2. Understand and describe population risk factors. 3. Understand and describe examination and classification. 4. Understand and describe common surgical treatment algorithms. 5. Understand and describe strategies for prevention and postoperative recurrence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pressure sores are ischemic damage to soft tissues resulting from unrelieved pressure, usually over a bony prominence. In both acute and chronic circumstances, a careful, structured multidisciplinary strategy is required from initial diagnosis to resolution. Mechanical issues, such as the relief of pressure, adequate surgical debridement, and flap coverage, are of little value if educational, nutritional, social, and resource-based issues are not in place. The authors discuss a range of topics, including etiology, physiology, classification, operative options, and strategies to prevent recurrence.
authors.affiliation: Galveston, Texas From the Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bauer
authors.forename: Linda G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Phillips
mesh_terms: D000758:Anesthesia / Q000379:methods; D003245:Consensus Statements as Topic; D003646:Debridement; D006801:Humans; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012008:Recurrence; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012307:Risk Factors; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013997:Time Factors