Pressure-relieving strategies for preventing and treating pressure sores.

Pressure-relieving strategies remain the foundation for the prevention and treatment of pressure sores. Although the published literature is inadequate, rational treatment decisions can be made if they are based on an understanding of the mechanisms by which pressure relief results with a particular device or strategy. This article reviews the theoretic and practical approaches to managing tissue loads so that rational choices of the most cost-effective strategies for preventing and treating pressure sores can be made when caring for patients.