Answer:
It is generally agreed that ischiectomy is not beneficial, and may in fact be detrimental in the treatment of pressure sores. A study from 1987 in which 237 paraplegics were operated on for either unilateral or bilateral ischial ulceration examined the long term results of the development of recurrences or bilateral involvement in unilateral lesions, when treated with either removal of the ischium or preservation of bone. Overall the results were less satisfactory after extensive bone resection. Recurrence reached 50% and a contralateral ulcer developed in 50% of cases. In contrast, when the ischium was preserved, these figures were respectively 20% and 10%. Complications such as the appearance of new pressure sores, or of perineal or urethral lesions occurred in 50% of cases in which the ischium was removed, but did not reach 15% if they were preserved. It appears therefore that ischiectomy is certainly not beneficial, and may well be detrimental in the treatment of pressure sores. Moreover, infection and osteomyelitis can be healed without sacrifice of the bone.