Risk factors of major complications after flap surgery in the treatment of stage III and IV pressure injury in people with spinal cord injury/disorder: a retrospective cohort study

Study design: Retrospective cohort study.Objectives: To identify risk factors associated with major complications after flap surgery in people with spinal cord injury or disorder (SCI/D) and stage III and IV pressure injury (PI).Setting: Swiss hospital specialized in the treatment of people with SCI/D using the Basel Decubitus Approach.Methods: We examined 60 risk factors for major postoperative complications in PIs over sacrum/coccyx, ischium or trochanter between 01/2016 and 12/2021. We performed descriptive analysis and computed global p-values using likelihood ratio tests adjusted for clustering of PIs in individuals.Results: We included 220 PI treatment procedure from 149 individuals. The study population consisted of 163 (74%) men, 133 (60%) traumatic SCI, 136 (58%) stage IV PI, 198 (90%) individuals with paraplegia, 93 (42%) with osteomyelitis, and 85 (39%) with recurrent PI. Major complications 42 (19%) occurred more often in individuals with stage IV PI (p < 0.01), individuals without osteomyelitis (p < 0.03), and individuals with pathological blood concentrations of cystatin c (p < 0.028), calcium (p < 0.048), and vitamin B12 (p < 0.0049) as well as normal blood concentrations of HbA1c (p < 0.033). Immobilization (p < 0.0089) and hospital stay (p < 0.0001) of individuals with major complications was longer.Conclusion: In the Basel Decubitus Approach, stage IV PI, absence of osteomyelitis, reduced vitamin B12 and calcium, elevated cystatin c, and normal HbA1c should be addressed to reduce major complications.