GITNUXREPORT 2025

Pressure Ulcer Statistics

Pressure ulcers are largely preventable, yet affect millions annually, causing severe health risks.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

The cost of treating pressure ulcers in the U.S. exceeds $11 billion annually

Statistic 2

The economic burden for treating pressure ulcers is doubled when they become infected

Statistic 3

Pressure ulcers increase hospital stay by an average of 2.2 days

Statistic 4

About 20% of pressure ulcers occur in the community rather than hospitals

Statistic 5

Pressure ulcers can lead to prolonged hospitalization, sometimes exceeding 100 days in severe cases

Statistic 6

Approximately 2.5 million patients develop pressure ulcers annually in the United States

Statistic 7

The prevalence of pressure ulcers in hospitalized patients ranges from 0.4% to 38%

Statistic 8

Pressure ulcers account for nearly 2.5 million hospital inpatient stays each year in the U.S.

Statistic 9

The prevalence of pressure ulcers among nursing home residents is approximately 11%

Statistic 10

Pressure ulcer incidence in long-term care facilities ranges from 3.6% to 23%

Statistic 11

Approximately 60,000 deaths per year in the U.S. are associated with pressure ulcers

Statistic 12

The most common sites for pressure ulcers are sacrum, heel, and buttocks

Statistic 13

Patients with spinal cord injuries have a higher risk of pressure ulcers, with prevalence ranging from 30% to 70%

Statistic 14

Around 90% of pressure ulcers occur over bony prominences

Statistic 15

The prevalence of pressure ulcers in intensive care units ranges from 13% to 33%

Statistic 16

About 85% of pressure ulcers are located on the sacrum and heels

Statistic 17

The annual incidence of pressure ulcers in hospitalized adults ranges from 0.4% to 38%

Statistic 18

Pressure ulcer prevalence among hospitalized patients indicates a significant proportion are preventable

Statistic 19

The rate of pressure ulcers in the home care setting ranges from 10% to 25%

Statistic 20

Pressure ulcer wounds can take over 6 months to heal in severe cases

Statistic 21

The prevalence of pressure ulcers in ICU patients can be as high as 40%

Statistic 22

Pressure ulcers significantly decrease quality of life, causing pain, infection, and social isolation

Statistic 23

The majority of pressure ulcers are found in elderly patients, who account for over 75% of cases in hospitals

Statistic 24

About 95% of all pressure ulcers are preventable with proper care

Statistic 25

Proper repositioning every 2 hours can significantly reduce the risk of pressure ulcer development

Statistic 26

The Braden Scale is a widely used tool for predicting pressure ulcer risk

Statistic 27

The use of pressure-relieving devices can decrease the incidence of pressure ulcers by up to 50%

Statistic 28

Proper skin assessment and hydration can help prevent pressure ulcers

Statistic 29

Pressure ulcer prevention programs have been shown to reduce incidence rates by 30-50%

Statistic 30

Use of specialized mattresses and cushions can decrease pressure ulcer risk by up to 60%

Statistic 31

Implementation of multidisciplinary approaches can further reduce pressure ulcer incidence

Statistic 32

Pressure ulcer management requires a comprehensive approach including cleaning, debridement, and appropriate dressings

Statistic 33

Use of prophylactic dressings in high-risk patients can reduce ulcer formation by 45%

Statistic 34

Pressure ulcer prevention is prioritized in healthcare policies globally, with standard guidelines existing in many countries

Statistic 35

The rate of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers has decreased in recent years due to improved prevention

Statistic 36

Education programs for caregivers significantly increase pressure ulcer prevention practices

Statistic 37

Repositioning devices and heel protectors are effective in pressure ulcer prevention

Statistic 38

The incidence of pressure ulcers decreases with early mobility interventions

Statistic 39

The use of pressure mapping technology assists in optimizing pressure redistribution strategies

Statistic 40

Preventative skin care routines are effective in reducing pressure ulcer occurrence

Statistic 41

Neglecting pressure ulcer prevention increases healthcare costs substantially, with estimates exceeding $20 billion worldwide annually

Statistic 42

Adequate moisture control is essential for wound healing and prevention of pressure ulcers

Statistic 43

Use of advanced wound dressings, such as hydrocolloids and alginates, improves healing time

Statistic 44

The overall incidence of pressure ulcers can be minimized with integrated care teams and preventive protocols

Statistic 45

Training programs for healthcare workers on pressure ulcer prevention improve adherence to guidelines

Statistic 46

The use of custom-made support surfaces can reduce pressure ulcer incidence in high-risk patients

Statistic 47

The global market for pressure ulcer treatment is projected to reach over $800 million by 2025

Statistic 48

Effective management of edema reduces pressure ulcer risk, especially in lower limbs

Statistic 49

Skin assessment frequency correlated with lower incidence of pressure ulcers, emphasizing regular re-evaluation

Statistic 50

Multidisciplinary wound care teams improve healing rates and reduce recurrence of pressure ulcers

Statistic 51

Stage III and IV pressure ulcers significantly increase patient morbidity

Statistic 52

Between 20% and 50% of pressure ulcers occur in people with limited mobility

Statistic 53

Pressure ulcers can develop within hours of sustained pressure, often within 2 hours in high-risk patients

Statistic 54

Inadequate nutrition is a key risk factor for pressure ulcer development

Statistic 55

The incidence of pressure ulcers increases with age, particularly affecting adults over 70 years old

Statistic 56

Pressure ulcers can lead to severe infections such as osteomyelitis and sepsis

Statistic 57

Patients with diabetes are at increased risk for pressure ulcers, especially on the feet

Statistic 58

Skin moisture lack and excessive moisture can increase pressure ulcer risk

Statistic 59

The presence of moisture-associated skin damage can complicate pressure ulcer care

Statistic 60

The risk of pressure ulcers is higher in critically ill and elderly patients with limited mobility

Statistic 61

Adequate protein intake is crucial for pressure ulcer healing, with deficiencies impairing the process

Statistic 62

About 30% of pressure ulcer patients develop osteomyelitis due to bone infection

Statistic 63

Pressure ulcers are more common in underweight and obese individuals due to skin fragility or excessive pressure

Statistic 64

The main cause of pressure ulcers is sustained pressure exceeding capillary pressure, leading to ischemia

Statistic 65

Incontinence is a significant risk factor for pressure ulcer development due to skin maceration

Statistic 66

The average healing time for a pressure ulcer at stage II is approximately 1 to 3 months

Statistic 67

Pressure ulcers are classified into four stages, with stage I being the least severe and stage IV the most severe

Statistic 68

Chronic pressure ulcers are more difficult to treat and have higher recurrence rates compared to acute wounds

Statistic 69

Transecting pressure sore management often involves surgical intervention, such as flap reconstruction, in advanced cases

Statistic 70

Pressure ulcer staging guides treatment approaches and prognosis, with early stages requiring less invasive interventions

Slide 1 of 70

Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

Approximately 2.5 million patients develop pressure ulcers annually in the United States
The prevalence of pressure ulcers in hospitalized patients ranges from 0.4% to 38%
Pressure ulcers account for nearly 2.5 million hospital inpatient stays each year in the U.S.
The prevalence of pressure ulcers among nursing home residents is approximately 11%
Pressure ulcer incidence in long-term care facilities ranges from 3.6% to 23%
Approximately 60,000 deaths per year in the U.S. are associated with pressure ulcers
The cost of treating pressure ulcers in the U.S. exceeds $11 billion annually
About 95% of all pressure ulcers are preventable with proper care
The most common sites for pressure ulcers are sacrum, heel, and buttocks
Stage III and IV pressure ulcers significantly increase patient morbidity
Patients with spinal cord injuries have a higher risk of pressure ulcers, with prevalence ranging from 30% to 70%
Between 20% and 50% of pressure ulcers occur in people with limited mobility
Pressure ulcers can develop within hours of sustained pressure, often within 2 hours in high-risk patients

Pressure ulcers silently threaten over 2.5 million patients每 year in the United States, yet with proper prevention and care, approximately 95% of these wounds could be avoided, highlighting a critical healthcare challenge with significant human and economic impacts.

Healthcare Settings and Outcomes

The cost of treating pressure ulcers in the U.S. exceeds $11 billion annually
The economic burden for treating pressure ulcers is doubled when they become infected
Pressure ulcers increase hospital stay by an average of 2.2 days
About 20% of pressure ulcers occur in the community rather than hospitals
Pressure ulcers can lead to prolonged hospitalization, sometimes exceeding 100 days in severe cases

Healthcare Settings and Outcomes Interpretation

With a staggering $11 billion price tag and the risk of infection doubling costs, pressure ulcers not only extend hospital stays by over two days on average but also remind us that 1 in 5 occur outside clinical walls—underscoring that prevention must be as prioritized as treatment to prevent these costly, prolonged, and often preventable complications.

Prevalence and Incidence of Pressure Ulcers

Approximately 2.5 million patients develop pressure ulcers annually in the United States
The prevalence of pressure ulcers in hospitalized patients ranges from 0.4% to 38%
Pressure ulcers account for nearly 2.5 million hospital inpatient stays each year in the U.S.
The prevalence of pressure ulcers among nursing home residents is approximately 11%
Pressure ulcer incidence in long-term care facilities ranges from 3.6% to 23%
Approximately 60,000 deaths per year in the U.S. are associated with pressure ulcers
The most common sites for pressure ulcers are sacrum, heel, and buttocks
Patients with spinal cord injuries have a higher risk of pressure ulcers, with prevalence ranging from 30% to 70%
Around 90% of pressure ulcers occur over bony prominences
The prevalence of pressure ulcers in intensive care units ranges from 13% to 33%
About 85% of pressure ulcers are located on the sacrum and heels
The annual incidence of pressure ulcers in hospitalized adults ranges from 0.4% to 38%
Pressure ulcer prevalence among hospitalized patients indicates a significant proportion are preventable
The rate of pressure ulcers in the home care setting ranges from 10% to 25%
Pressure ulcer wounds can take over 6 months to heal in severe cases
The prevalence of pressure ulcers in ICU patients can be as high as 40%
Pressure ulcers significantly decrease quality of life, causing pain, infection, and social isolation
The majority of pressure ulcers are found in elderly patients, who account for over 75% of cases in hospitals

Prevalence and Incidence of Pressure Ulcers Interpretation

With 2.5 million Americans affected annually and pressure ulcers predominantly targeting the elderly, bony prominences, and vulnerable populations like spinal cord injury patients, these often preventable wounds serve as a stark reminder that in healthcare, neglect can manifest in the most painful and costly ways—making prevention not just preferable but imperative.

Prevention and Management Strategies

About 95% of all pressure ulcers are preventable with proper care
Proper repositioning every 2 hours can significantly reduce the risk of pressure ulcer development
The Braden Scale is a widely used tool for predicting pressure ulcer risk
The use of pressure-relieving devices can decrease the incidence of pressure ulcers by up to 50%
Proper skin assessment and hydration can help prevent pressure ulcers
Pressure ulcer prevention programs have been shown to reduce incidence rates by 30-50%
Use of specialized mattresses and cushions can decrease pressure ulcer risk by up to 60%
Implementation of multidisciplinary approaches can further reduce pressure ulcer incidence
Pressure ulcer management requires a comprehensive approach including cleaning, debridement, and appropriate dressings
Use of prophylactic dressings in high-risk patients can reduce ulcer formation by 45%
Pressure ulcer prevention is prioritized in healthcare policies globally, with standard guidelines existing in many countries
The rate of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers has decreased in recent years due to improved prevention
Education programs for caregivers significantly increase pressure ulcer prevention practices
Repositioning devices and heel protectors are effective in pressure ulcer prevention
The incidence of pressure ulcers decreases with early mobility interventions
The use of pressure mapping technology assists in optimizing pressure redistribution strategies
Preventative skin care routines are effective in reducing pressure ulcer occurrence
Neglecting pressure ulcer prevention increases healthcare costs substantially, with estimates exceeding $20 billion worldwide annually
Adequate moisture control is essential for wound healing and prevention of pressure ulcers
Use of advanced wound dressings, such as hydrocolloids and alginates, improves healing time
The overall incidence of pressure ulcers can be minimized with integrated care teams and preventive protocols
Training programs for healthcare workers on pressure ulcer prevention improve adherence to guidelines
The use of custom-made support surfaces can reduce pressure ulcer incidence in high-risk patients
The global market for pressure ulcer treatment is projected to reach over $800 million by 2025
Effective management of edema reduces pressure ulcer risk, especially in lower limbs
Skin assessment frequency correlated with lower incidence of pressure ulcers, emphasizing regular re-evaluation
Multidisciplinary wound care teams improve healing rates and reduce recurrence of pressure ulcers

Prevention and Management Strategies Interpretation

With up to 95% of pressure ulcers being preventable through vigilant care, employing comprehensive strategies—from regular repositioning and advanced dressings to multidisciplinary teams—transforms pressure ulcer prevention from a clinical challenge into a cost-effective standard of care that can dramatically slash incidence rates and save billions worldwide.

Risk Factors and Contributing Conditions

Stage III and IV pressure ulcers significantly increase patient morbidity
Between 20% and 50% of pressure ulcers occur in people with limited mobility
Pressure ulcers can develop within hours of sustained pressure, often within 2 hours in high-risk patients
Inadequate nutrition is a key risk factor for pressure ulcer development
The incidence of pressure ulcers increases with age, particularly affecting adults over 70 years old
Pressure ulcers can lead to severe infections such as osteomyelitis and sepsis
Patients with diabetes are at increased risk for pressure ulcers, especially on the feet
Skin moisture lack and excessive moisture can increase pressure ulcer risk
The presence of moisture-associated skin damage can complicate pressure ulcer care
The risk of pressure ulcers is higher in critically ill and elderly patients with limited mobility
Adequate protein intake is crucial for pressure ulcer healing, with deficiencies impairing the process
About 30% of pressure ulcer patients develop osteomyelitis due to bone infection
Pressure ulcers are more common in underweight and obese individuals due to skin fragility or excessive pressure
The main cause of pressure ulcers is sustained pressure exceeding capillary pressure, leading to ischemia
Incontinence is a significant risk factor for pressure ulcer development due to skin maceration

Risk Factors and Contributing Conditions Interpretation

Given that between 20% and 50% of pressure ulcers occur in immobile patients, who can develop ulcers within hours due to sustained pressure and are impeded by factors like inadequate nutrition, moisture, and age-related skin fragility, it's evident that pressure ulcers are not just skin-deep issues but alarming indicators of systemic neglect that can escalate into severe infections, making proactive prevention and comprehensive care essential.

Wound Care and Staging Procedures

The average healing time for a pressure ulcer at stage II is approximately 1 to 3 months
Pressure ulcers are classified into four stages, with stage I being the least severe and stage IV the most severe
Chronic pressure ulcers are more difficult to treat and have higher recurrence rates compared to acute wounds
Transecting pressure sore management often involves surgical intervention, such as flap reconstruction, in advanced cases
Pressure ulcer staging guides treatment approaches and prognosis, with early stages requiring less invasive interventions

Wound Care and Staging Procedures Interpretation

Given that a stage II pressure ulcer takes up to three months to heal and that advanced wounds often demand surgical repair, it underscores the critical importance of early detection and prevention—because when it comes to pressure sores, a timely turn of the tide can save months of healing and a lifetime of suffering.