Pressure ulcers on the heels make up about 28% of all cases of pressure ulcers (Barczak et al, 1997) and are particularly prevalent in older people who are immobile. The significant cost of treating pressure ulcers could be avoided by preventing their development. This evaluation involved ten older patients who had all fractured the neck of their femur and were treated with Advazorb Heel dressings upon admission to the orthopaedic ward. None of the ten patients developed ulcers on the heel. The author suggests that a bigger evaluation of the product is necessary but that its use could have the potential for significant cost savings to the NHS.
