The Decubitus Ulcer in Clinical Practice

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.

Zusammenfassung
With patients now surviving trauma, neurological diseases, and the geriatric state for longer periods, dermatologists are increasingly being called on to manage these often devastating cutaneous defects. Unrealistic goals regarding prevention and wound healing have compounded the problem, while patient awareness, government intervention, and legal entanglements make an understanding of the diagnosis and management of this dermatologic entity mandatory.
This volume addresses how to both recognise and manage the condition. Beginning with the background of the disease, the book goes on to discuss the clinical features and provides a comprehensive overview of general and specific therapeutic strategies.

Inhalt
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.