Bed sores are also called decubitus or pressure ulcers.  As the name implies they occur because a patient has been left in the same position over a long period of time.  As a result, there is pressure on the skin and surrounding tissue that causes lack of blood flow to the area.  Most commonly this occurs on the heels of the feet, sacrum, elbows, back, hips, knees, ankles and ears. 

Our office specializes in handling bed sore cases that occur in hospitals and nursing homes.  Often a patient can develop a bed sore in a hospital that worsens while under the care of a rehab facility/skilled nursing facility or nursing home.

Bed sores can be prevented with such simple techniques such as keeping a patient clean and dry from urine and feces and turning and positioning to avoid pressure. Patients often develop wound infections from bed sores that require surgical debridement and antibiotics.