THE RECURRENT pressure ulcer is a surgical failure in which not all contributing factors may be recognized. Even major rehabilitation centers struggle with a certain number of recurrences.1-3 In 1964, Dansereau and Conway3 reported the surgical treatment of 2,000 pressure ulcers. Recurrences developed in 5% of ischial ulcers, 14% of trochanteric ulcers, and 15% of sacral ulcers.
We have cared for five paraplegic patients, all of whom had prolonged hospital courses because of recurrent pressure ulcers. In each of our five patients, their own carelessness contributed to recurrence.
Report of Cases
Five paraplegic patients were treated consecutively for recurrent pressure ulcers at the New England Medical Center Hospitals from September 1973 to October 1974. Each patient was paraplegic as a result of trauma and had undergone full rehabilitation in one or more institutions. Four of the five patients were under 30 years of age. Three were living at