Abstract

Pressure ulcers represent a substantial clinical and economic burden, affecting millions of immobilized, elderly, and critically ill patients globally. Driven by population aging and the rising prevalence of comorbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the global market for pressure ulcer diagnostics, prevention, and treatment is projected to grow strongly over the next decade. This paper reviews the pathophysiology, classification, and multifactorial risk factors of pressure ulcers. It evaluates the current commercial market landscape and emerging preclinical and clinical therapeutics. A comprehensive review was conducted, segmenting current technologies into preventive measures and treatment interventions, including negative pressure wound therapy, enzymatic ointments, and tissue engineering. Ongoing clinical trials evaluating next-generation biologics, such as human placental and amniotic tissue allografts, were also analyzed. Ultimately, the future of pressure ulcer management is shifting toward early detection and objective, data-driven prevention; the integration of advanced materials, automated closed-loop sensing devices such as the proposed adaptive pad, and regenerative biologic therapies holds significant promise for improving clinical outcomes, reducing individual treatment costs, and mitigating caregiver physical workload.

Keywords

pressure injury, pressure ulcer, pressure mapping, preventive care, skin integrity, tissue engineering, wound care market