Why do bed sores commonly develop on the buttocks?

Although bed sores (also referred to as decubitus ulcers, pressure ulcers, or pressure sores) can develop on any part of the body where unrelieved pressure accumulates without relief for a prolonged period of time.  The most common area for bed sores to develop is the buttocks or coccyx.  The primary reason why bed sores are commonly seen on the buttocks is that many patients in long-term care facilities are not rotated or turned with the frequency with which they should.

A second (and generally overlooked) reason why bed sores tend to develop on the buttocks is that many facilities fail to educate their workers as to the proper positioning of beds for patients who may be prone to develop bed sores.  Individuals who may be at high risk for developing bed sores should be kept as level as possible when not eating or drinking.  Keeping patients levels in their beds minimizes the pressure that is put directly on buttocks– thereby minimizing the risk of developing bed sores.

Chances are, if you or your loved one developed a bed sore on their buttocks during an admission to a medical facility, errors where made at some point during their care.

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