ANKMJ
Ankyra Medical Journal

Ankyra Medical Journal (AnkMJ), formerly known as the Journal of Translational and Practical Medicine, regularly publishes international quality issues in the field of Medicine in the light of current information.

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Original Article
The burden of pressure ulcers among inpatients in a tertiary physical medicine and rehabilitation center: a retrospective analysis
Abstract
Aims: This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and treatment outcomes of pressure ulcers (PUs) among inpatients in a tertiary Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) center. We hypothesized that advanced-stage ulcers would be associated with longer hospitalization, lower healing rates, and adverse laboratory parameters.
Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 240 adult patients with PUs admitted to the PM&R Hospital of Ankara Bilkent City Hospital between June 1, 2022, and June 1, 2023. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and wound-related data were extracted from medical records and standardized wound care forms. PUs were staged according to the 2019 EPUAP/NPIAP/PPPIA guideline. Treatment modalities and outcomes were analyzed. Linear regression was performed to identify predictors of residual wound size.
Results: The mean age of patients was 52.8±22.1 years; 63.3% were male. Frequent comorbidities included arterial hypertension (34.6%), hyperlipidemia (40.4%), diabetes mellitus (15.4%), and coronary artery disease (10.8%). The most common admission diagnoses were spinal cord injury (45.0%) and stroke (26.7%). Sacral ulcers (56.1%) predominated, with stage 2–3 lesions representing 77.1% of cases. Overall healing rate was 78.5%, but declined sharply in stage 4 ulcers (25.0%). Predictors of larger residual ulcer size included pre-admission ulcer presence (p=0.028), baseline ulcer size (p<0.001), and lower albumin (p=0.002). Debridement significantly reduced ulcer size (p<0.001). Functional outcomes improved, with 57.6% of non-ambulatory patients achieving therapeutic ambulation at discharge (p<0.001).
Conclusion: PUs remain a persistent challenge in rehabilitation, limiting both medical care and functional progress. Advanced-stage ulcers, malnutrition, and osteomyelitis predict poor outcomes, whereas surgical debridement is pivotal for healing. Integrating preventive strategies, nutritional optimization, and evidence-based therapies into structured rehabilitation programs can enhance recovery and reduce healthcare burden.

Keywords : Pressure ulcer, rehabilitation, spinal cord injuries

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Article available in :
Volume 4, Issue 4, 2025
Page : 74-79
https://doi.org/10.51271/ANKMJ-0052
Article Information
Received : 22 Eyl 2025
Accepted : 12 Eki 2025
Published : 19 Eki 2025
Corresponding Author :

Serap Ulusoy: Department of General Surgery, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Tezen Ö, Ulusoy S. The burden of pressure ulcers among inpatients in a tertiary physical medicine and rehabilitation center: a retrospective analysis. Ank Med J. 2025;4(4):74-79.

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