Pressure Ulcer Management

Unique to the West Coast, the Pressure Ulcer Management Program at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center is one of 25 Centers of Excellence for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. The program consists of a team of experts that aggressively manages pressure ulcers, a potentially devastating disease that primarily occurs in patients that are bedridden or confined to a wheelchair. Our team of experts deal with the patient's total clinical picture to treat and correct predisposing factors that contribute to the development of pressure ulcers and prevent reoccurring ulcers. The program is a 25-bed unit serving patients with extensive pressure ulcers, infected hips and heterotopic ossification of the hip joints and pelvis.

Our innovative approach uses complex reconstructive/plastic surgery and specific clinical protocols to make this program well known nationally and internationally. The typical hospital stay is approximately 8 weeks. This allows sufficient time to achieve patient goals and enhance the quality of life for the long term. Post-operative protocols include the use of special beds, a gradual sitting program, medications, range of motion therapy and other targeted interventions (e.g., diet, dressings, and electrical stimulation).

Program Specialists

A team of highly specialized plastic surgery staff complement the many other team members required for successful outcomes of these types of skin problems as length of recovery from sore and flap surgery progresses:

Full-time Plastic Reconstruction Surgeon
Plastic Surgery Resident/Fellow
Primary Care Physicians
Physician's Assistant
Specially trained Nursing staff
Full-time Psychologist
Clinical Social Worker
Physical Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Dietician
Case Manager
Recreation Therapist

Patients Served

The program admits adults (ages 16-80 years of age), of all ethnic backgrounds, with any of the following primary diagnoses:

Spinal Cord Injury
Spina Bifida
Neurological Disease
Gerontology

Outpatient Evaluations

Outpatients shall be referred by a primary physician. Outpatients are evaluated by a certified Plastic Surgeon. Patients should call (562) 401-6555 for an appointment.

Professional Affiliations

The Pressure Ulcer Management program is affiliated with the Plastic Surgery Residency Training Program at the University of Southern California (USC).

Testimonials

"From the initial surgery through the lengthy recovery, I experienced first hand the skillful knowledge and caring spirit of many. The JPI 3rd floor North ward had to deal with a varied set of demanding issues and care requirements for each patient. They met those challenges with the highest of integrity and skill.

Before making my decision to come to Rancho, I investigated numerous other options regarding pressure ulcer surgery and management. I spoke with highly regarded surgeons and visited their facilities. Only after coming to Rancho did I find a sense of confidence that the doctors, nursing staff, and facilities were equally able to provide the high care required by the patient. I believe you have a GEM of a team: others claim to perform the surgery but none are able to match the surgeon's skill combined wih the nursing staff and the faciliies to care for labor-intensive patients. And that unique combination is what sets Rancho head and shoulders above the rest."

C.F.R.
Bakersfield, CA

"I am writing in praise of Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, where I recently completed a two and one-half month stay after reconstructive flap surgery under the supervision of Dr. Salah Rubayi. Rancho was able to provide me with services no other hospital could, as demonstrated by the discussion below. I am taking the step of writing this letter to acknowledge what Rancho meant to me and what a valuable resource it is to the community.

The bottom line is that Dr. Rubayi and his staff - doctors, nurses, therapists - did an outstanding job (I cannot remember everyone's name, but all of the staff was professional, courteous and very helpful). My pressure sore is healed. The follow-up rehabilitation offered after the surgery proved to be invaluable and, though I am still recovering, I do not believe that my recovery would have been possible without the strong support provided by everyone at Rancho. Dr. Rubayi is an outstanding surgeon and deserves special recognition. I thank you and all at Rancho for the outstanding care provided."

Very truly yours,
N.D., Pasadena, CA

Patient Brochures on Flap Surgery

Getting Ready for Flap Surgery
At Home After Flap Surgery
Myocutaneous Flaps - Surgical Treatment of Severe Pressure Ulcers

Publications in Pressure Ulcer Management

Research Experience

Daily Living Context and Pressure Sores in Consumers with SCI (2000-2004)
USC Department of Occupational Therapy and the PUM program at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center
Funded by: The United States Department of Education National Institute on Disability

Impact of Electrode Location on Electrical Stimulation Facilitated Wound Healing (2002-2003)
USC Department of Biokinesiology, Physical Therapy and the PUM program at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center

Submitted Grants

"BION" Treatment of Neuromuscular Dysfunction" (October 2004)
Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center and USC Bio-Engineering Department, Los Angeles, CA