Decubitus Ulcer
A decubitus ulcer, or pressure sore, is skin and tissue breakdown that develops from prolonged pressure.
When to get help quickly: Prompt medical care is important if the sore is deep, smells bad, is draining pus, the surrounding skin is spreading in colour change, or fever and weakness develop.
Common symptoms
Early signs include a dark, red, purple, or painful patch over a bony area, especially in someone who is bedridden or sits in one position for long periods. Later it can become a blister or open wound.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps when the wound may be deep, when doctors are worried about a hidden abscess, or when the nearby bone may have become infected.
What radiology does
Imaging may be used when deep infection, abscess, or bone involvement such as osteomyelitis is suspected.
What usually happens next
Treatment includes pressure relief, wound care, nutrition support, infection control, and sometimes surgery.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.