A recent economic evaluation of Medicare beneficiaries revealed that approximately 14.5% of this population (8.2 million patients) were diagnosed in 2014 with at least one type of wound or wound-related infection, associated with a conservatively estimated cost of care of nearly US$32 billion. Direct costs associated with chronic wounds and their care are estimated at more than US$33 billion annually in the USA. Chronic dermal ulcers (venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers and pressure ulcers ) can lead to loss of function and productivity, anxiety and decreased quality of life.
The growing burden of treating chronic wounds is further exacerbated by increasing healthcare costs and an increase in the incidence of diabetes and obesity. Predominantly affecting older individuals, the prevalence of chronic wounds is increasing with the aging of the population.
Chronic dermal ulcers affect approximately 2.4–4.5 million people in the USA.
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