[Expert consensus on systematic assessment and treatment of refractory wounds in the elderly (2025 edition)].

Abstract

Early prevention and standardized management of refractory wounds in the elderly are very important for improving prognosis, reducing disability rate, and improving the quality of life of patients. For the diagnosis and treatment of refractory wounds in the elderly, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the primary disease or comorbidity of patients and systematically evaluate the overall condition and the local characteristics of wounds of patients. The treatment principles include controlling or slowing down the development of the primary disease, nutritional support, infection control, improving circulation, sealing wounds, and paying attention to the water balance of wounds, at the same time selecting a reasonable treatment plan according to different types of wounds. The goal of treatment is to close the wound as much as possible if conditions permit, while in some cases, palliative management may be appropriate. In the future, the development of smart wear, big data, and artificial intelligence will play a significant role in promoting the assessment and treatment of refractory wounds in the elderly. The Burns and Trauma Branch of Chinese Geriatrics Society organized domestic experts engaged in wound repair and related fields to jointly formulate this consensus, aiming to establish a full-process standard covering prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation and to promote the standardization and intelligence of diagnosis and treatment of refractory wounds in the elderly, thus providing efficient and homogeneous solutions for clinical practice.