Surgery
Most pressure ulcers are successfully managed using the basic principles of wound care. Nevertheless, surgery is still necessary in some patients, particularly in those whose quality of life would be markedly improved by rapid wound closure. A variety of operative procedures are available, including direct closure of the wound, skin grafts, skin flaps, musculocutaneous flaps, and free flaps. Procedure selection depends upon patient characteristics, ulcer site, and available surgical expertise.
Other treatment options
Several studies have suggested that the application of growth factors to the wound, including fibroblast growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor, may result in increased rates of healing.
Electrotherapy, in which a direct current is applied to the wound, has also resulted in enhanced healing in several small studies. The electric current is believed to promote the migration and proliferation of fibroblasts.
Ultrasound is sometimes used as therapy for pressure ulcers Hyperbaric oxygen, infrared, and ultraviolet light therapy have all been advocated but their efficacy remains uncertain.
