Decubitus Ulcer Development in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

Decubitus ulcers are a serious health care concern for patients who experience mobilityrelated limitations. They are a costly secondary complication affecting more than 2.5 million people in the United States each year. If left untreated, decubitus ulcers can become lifethreatening over a short period of time for persons with spinal cord injury. These generally preventable complications should be considered when developing a life care plan. This article reviews causes, prevalence, costs, and management practices of decubitus ulcer development in individuals with spinal cord injuries.