Pressure Ulcer–Related Pelvic Osteomyelitis

Stage IV pressure ulcers extend to the bone and can be complicated by osteomyelitis. Typical sites of involvement include the sacrum, ischial bones, and femoral heads. To better define the epidemiology and outcomes of pressure ulcer–related pelvic osteomyelitis, researchers performed a retrospective analysis involving adults with this condition who were admitted to a single Missouri medical center between 2006 and 2011. Eligibility requirements included having discharge ICD-9 codes for both pressure ulcers and osteomyelitis.

A total of 220 patients (67% men, 52% black; mean age, 50) were included in the analysis. Seven percent had been transferred from another hospital for subsequent care; all others had been admitted directly. Seventy-seven…