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Open Access
CC BY 4.0 · Arch Plast Surg 2026; 53(01): 038-044
DOI: 10.1055/a-2702-1486
Breast/Trunk
Original Article

Prevention of Pressure Sore Recurrence with Fat Graft: Outcome Analysis with Recurrence, Thickness, and Scar—A Pilot Study

Authors

  • Ondřej Troup 

    1   Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital in Pilsen, Pilsen, Plzeň Region, Czech Republic
    2   Medical Faculty in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Prague, Czech Republic

  • Barbora Blažková 

    1   Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital in Pilsen, Pilsen, Plzeň Region, Czech Republic

  • Milena Troupová 

    3   Department of Radiology, Hospital České Budějovice, České Budějovice, South Bohemian Region, Czech Republic

  • Adam Skalický 

    1   Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital in Pilsen, Pilsen, Plzeň Region, Czech Republic

  • Inka Třešková 

    1   Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital in Pilsen, Pilsen, Plzeň Region, Czech Republic
    2   Medical Faculty in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Prague, Czech Republic

Funding Information This work was supported by Cooperation Programme, research area MED/SURG Charles University.
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Abstract

Background

Pressure ulcers are a common and debilitating complication in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCIs), often requiring reconstructive surgery. However, scarred areas remain vulnerable to recurrence. This study evaluates lipografting as a secondary prevention strategy to enhance soft tissue padding over bony prominences and reduce ulcer recurrence. Additionally, it investigates whether fat resorption rates are higher in compromised tissue.

Methods

Five wheelchair-bound male patients with SCIs who had previously undergone reconstructive surgery for ischial pressure sores were included. Lipografting was performed, and soft tissue thickness was measured using ultrasonography preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at 3 and 12 months. Scar pliability, patient satisfaction, and fat resorption rates in the compromised area were also assessed.

Results

Significant soft tissue augmentation was observed immediately postoperatively, with an average retention rate of 60.7% at 1 year. Scar pliability improved in all patients, and no new pressure ulcers developed during the follow-up period. Patients reported high satisfaction, with one noting increased tolerance for prolonged sitting.

Conclusion

Lipografting appears to be a promising, minimally invasive approach for secondary prevention of pressure ulcer recurrence in SCI patients. While these findings are encouraging, further studies with larger cohorts and longer follow-up are necessary to confirm the long-term benefits of this technique.

Keywords

pressure ulcer - spinal cord injuries - fat grafting - secondary prevention

Ethical Approval

This clinical trial was approved by the Ethical Committee of University Hospital Pilsen and the Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Edvarda Benese 1128/13, 30599, Pilsen, Czech Republic, under the reference number 129/23.


Informed Consent

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for the publication.




Publication History

Received: 19 March 2025

Accepted: 04 September 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
16 September 2025

Article published online:
30 January 2026

© 2026. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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