A decade of pressure sore research: 1977-1987.

This paper reviews the literature from 1977-1987 on the etiology and pathophysiology of pressure sores, factors contributing to its formation, diagnostic and pressure-measuring devices, and cushions and devices designed to prevent sores . The authors hope this review will show that many current assumptions may be invalid and should be re-examined. A pressure sore is an ulceration of the skin and/or deeper tissues due to unrelieved pressure, shear force(s), and/or frictional force(s) . Shear forces are produced when contiguous parts slide relative to each other in a direction parallel to their plane of contact . Frictional forces are due to the resistance of one body sliding, rolling, or flowing over another . Either of these forces can be produced by a person sliding on bed sheets when being placed