Pressure ulcers and deep tissue injury: a bioengineering perspective

Pressure ulcers are one of the most serious complications in paralysed and immobilised patients, with severe consequences such as sepsis, osteomyelitis, renal failure and myocardial infarction. Literature reviews usually focus on physiology, covering aetiology, prevalence, risk factors and prevention and treatment. Recent studies, however, have indicated that the onset of this physiological problem has a biomechanical origin, and that knowledge about the mechanical deformations and stresses that occur inside soft tissues is of vital importance in prevention. Researchers have invested vast knowledge, long hours, large budgets and the finest, most modern methods toward solving the intriguing puzzle of pressure ulcer origin and progression. This review aims to provide clinicians and engineers with a comprehensive perspective of the biomechanical aspects of pressure ulceration.