Drukzweren

Drukzweren are a group of pressure‑related ulcerative lesions that develop under chronic mechanical compression of skin and underlying tissues. The term is most frequently used in German‑speaking medical literature and is considered a synonym for pressure ulcers in certain specialist contexts.

The word is a combination of the German noun Druck, meaning pressure, and the plural of Zwer, a classical term for ulcer. It appeared in the early 2000s as a descriptor for a specific presentation of pressure‑induced wounds seen in patients with neuropathic arthroses and immobilizing casts.

Histologically Drukzweren show extensive ischemic necrosis of epidermal and dermal layers, followed by a secondary bacterial biofilm that accelerates tissue destruction. The pathology is driven by sustained mechanical load, reduced perfusion, and impaired lymphatic drainage.

Clinical assessment follows the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel stages, with Drukzweren typically presenting at stage II or III in the aforementioned patient groups. Diagnostic imaging may include duplex ultrasonography to evaluate local blood flow.

Management relies on pressure off‑loading, diligent wound hygiene, nutritional optimization, and in severe cases surgical debridement or flap coverage. Research efforts focus on biomechanical monitoring of load distribution and the development of smart dressings that reduce microtrauma.