Pressure Sores (Bed Sores): Diagnosis & Reconstructive Treatment
A clear guide to pressure sores in bedridden or immobile patients, covering prevention, wound care and reconstructive surgery.
Treatment usually begins with
Wound Assessment
Pressure Relief & Positioning
Wound Care
Flap Surgery (if needed)
Early-stage sores respond to pressure relief and wound care, while deeper sores may need surgical closure with a flap.
You may need this evaluated if...
A pressure sore evaluation is recommended when these signs are present:
- Persistent redness over a bony area that does not fade
- A break in the skin over pressure points like the hip, heel or lower back
- A wound that is deepening or not improving
- Signs of infection around a pressure area
Pressure sores are preventable and treatable, and appropriate care at each stage significantly improves healing.
What is Pressure Sores (Bed Sores)?
A pressure sore develops when sustained pressure on the skin, common in patients with limited mobility, damages tissue over bony areas such as the hips, heels or lower back.
Prevention Is Key
Regular repositioning and pressure-relieving surfaces significantly reduce the risk of pressure sores.
Staged by Severity
Sores range from early skin redness to deep wounds involving muscle or bone.
Reconstructive Options for Deep Sores
Flap surgery provides durable, well-padded coverage for deeper wounds.
Team-Based Care
Nursing care, nutrition and physiotherapy work alongside surgical treatment.
Common Signs
- Persistent skin redness over a bony area
- An open wound or ulcer at a pressure point
- Increasing wound depth or drainage
- Signs of infection such as warmth or odour
What Increases Your Risk
A combination of medical, genetic and lifestyle factors can increase the likelihood of this condition.
How It Is Diagnosed
A detailed clinical examination confirms the diagnosis and helps plan the right reconstructive or aesthetic approach.
Wound Staging Assessment
Grades the depth and severity of the pressure sore.
Nutritional Review
Assesses factors that influence wound healing capacity.
Infection Screening
Identifies any infection needing treatment before or alongside surgery.
Treatment Approaches
Conservative Care
- Scheduled repositioning and pressure-relieving mattresses
- Regular wound dressing and debridement
- Nutritional support to aid healing
Surgical Care
Flap surgery closes deeper pressure sores with well-vascularised, cushioned tissue, reducing the risk of recurrence when combined with ongoing pressure care.
Treatment decisions are based on the extent of the condition, your goals and overall health, not a single test.
Know When to Act
Recognising these signs early and acting promptly leads to better functional and aesthetic outcomes.
Book an Assessment
Schedule a consultation for a routine evaluation or ongoing concern.
- Persistent skin redness or a new pressure sore
- A wound that is not improving with care
Seek Urgent Care
Reach out for emergency care immediately if you notice any of the following.
- Signs of spreading infection or fever with a pressure sore
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