Long-term debridement effect of denervated large sacrococcygeal pressure injury: A case report.

RATIONALE

Complicated pressure injury in paraplegic patients is common and difficult to manage. Previous case studies have documented short-term management; however, little is known regarding suitable approaches to long-term clearing of extensive pressure injury in the sacrococcygeal area under denervation.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 53-year-old man was bedridden for 1.5 years owing to cervical vertebral fracture-dislocation (C5-C6), resulting in extensive sacrococcygeal pressure injury.

DIAGNOSES

On admission, he presented with the injury complicated by infection (stage IV necrosis), and his vital signs were unstable.

INTERVENTIONS

The infection was treated with a range of antibiotics, including clindamycin phosphate, metronidazole, cefoperazone sodium, and sulbactam sodium. Debridement of the pressure injury was performed, helping remove the necrotic tissue and stimulate tissue regeneration.

OUTCOMES

The patient was discharged after 88 days of hospitalization. The extent of the pressure injury at discharge was reduced compared with that at admission. At 4-month follow-up, the injury was nearly healed, with no signs of any further complications.

LESSONS

This case study suggests that wound debridement is a cost-effective and clinically efficacious approach to long-term complicated pressure injury management.