Etiology of decubitus ulcers using an animal model-measurements of local blood flow inhibition

The purpose of this study has been to clarify with the use of rabbit ears the effect of compression on skin surface blood flow at the edema stage and flare in the initial phase of decubitus ulcer development. The experimental protocol comprises the following two steps: the “pre-compression” step and the blood flow measurement during compression and the period of relief from compression. The investigations have demonstrated that the main causal factors for decubitus ulcer formation are as follows: (1) ischemia localized in the compressed area and (2) skin surface blood flow from the compressed location to the surrounding area