Risk factors of pelvic pressure ulcer recurrence after primary skin flap surgery in people with spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND

Flap surgery for deep pelvic pressure ulcers (PPUs) has been found effective, but the recurrence rate remains high and few risk factors have been identified.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated risk factors for PU recurrence after primary flap surgery in people with spinal cord injury (SCI).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This observational retrospective study based on medical charts included all individuals with SCI who underwent primary flap surgery for a PPU in the Hérault department in France between 2006 and 2014. Overall, 100 biomedical, psychological, socioeconomic and care management factors were studied. The primary outcome was PPU recurrence (surgical site and/or other pelvic site). The secondary outcome was recurrence at the surgical site. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to determine associated factors, estimating hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

We included 85 patients. Half had a PPU recurrence, and in one-third, the recurrence was at the surgical site. On multivariate analysis, global PPU recurrence was associated with colostomy (HR=2.79) and living with a partner (HR=2.29). Non-traumatic SCI and sacral wound were associated with PPU recurrence (HR=3.39, HR=0.48) and recurrence at the surgical site (HR=3.3, HR=0.3).

CONCLUSION

Risk factors of PPU recurrence are based on both biomedical and social models. After primary flap surgery, the risk of recurrence justifies regular follow-up and strict monitoring.