New Publication Examines Outcomes Following Pressure Injury Flap Surgery in Spinal Cord Injury

The Hopkins Centre is pleased to celebrate a new publication arising from a Hopkins Centre Seed Grant project led by Dr Evgeniya Zakharova-Luneva.   

Published in Spinal Cord, the study, Pressure Injury Flap Surgery in People with Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder: Surgical and Rehabilitation Outcomes, provides important insights into the recovery experiences of people with spinal cord injury or disorder (SCI/D) who undergo flap surgery for severe pressure injuries.

Pressure injuries are a common and serious secondary complication for people living with SCI/D. While flap surgery is often required to treat advanced wounds, little research has explored both the  surgical and rehabilitation outcomes following the procedure.

The study reviewed outcomes from 61 patients who underwent 84 flap surgeries at a specialist spinal injuries unit between 2015 and 2023. The findings showed that post-surgical complications were common and could affect rehabilitation progress and length of hospital stay. Several factors were associated with an increased risk of complications, including multiple pressure injuries, previous flap surgeries, osteomyelitis, spasticity, pain, and higher body weight.

Encouragingly, most patients were able to return to prolonged sitting by discharge, although some experienced reduced transfer ability or required additional support following surgery.

 

Dr Zakharova-Luneva said the findings provide valuable evidence to help clinicians better understand recovery pathways and identify factors that may influence outcomes after surgery.

This publication highlights the impact of The Hopkins Centre Seed Grant Program in supporting research that improves rehabilitation and health outcomes for people living with spinal cord injury.