Definition: Ulceration of the skin and underlying tissues caused by prolonged pressure over the affected area. These ulcerations usually occur over bony prominences such as heels, coccyx area of the buttock and even the back of the head. Stroke victims with paralysis are very prone to decubitus ulcers.
Pronunciation: de-ku'bi-tus
Also Known As: Pressure sore, pressure ulcer, bedsore
Alternate Spellings: decubiti
Common Misspellings: decubitis
Examples: Christopher Reeves who was a quadreplegic developed a decubitus ulcer from sitting in one position too long.
