Surgical Treatment of Pressure Injures in Spinal Cord Injury Patients: Incidence of Surgical Complications and Tips for Prevention

Background: People with spinal cord injury/disorder are at a high risk of pressure injury formation, and, in advanced cases, surgery is mandatory. These patients present specific clinical aspects to consider in order to reduce the risk of complications. This paper is a narrative review and expert opinion based on the authors’ institutional experience of over 10 years in a spinal unit. The specific protocols of treatment based on a multidisciplinary approach, protocols of flap selection, and strategies to prevent and manage complications are reviewed. The specific clinical aspects of each patient that should be considered during treatment to optimize the results and to reduce complication rates are reviewed. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary team approach and specific protocols for patient management allow for a reduction in complication rates in the surgical treatment of pressure injuries in spinal cord injury patients and implement an overall success rate. Complications management protocols should be developed and investigated to further improve the overall success rate.