Nonhealing pressure ulcer management

MRI: magnetic resonance imaging.

* Duration of antibiotic therapy depends on clinical response, area affected, and associated bloodstream infection, and is typically 5 to 14 days. Improvement is expected within 48 hours; if the patient is not clinically improved after this time frame, re-evaluate whether the antibiotic regimen is still appropriate and whether additional debridement is warranted.

¶ This may include additional debridement, antiseptic-impregnated dressing, an adjunctive treatment, such as negative pressure therapy. Refer to other UpToDate content on wound and pressure ulcer management.

Δ Bone biopsy may not be feasible in all patients; if not, treat for presumed osteomyelitis with prolonged empiric systemic antibiotics.