The text of the Consensus Meetings Prevention and Treatment of Decubitus (pressure sores; 1985 and 1986 respectively) was adapted to current insights into pathogenesis and treatment. This adaptation was important since the costs of the prevention and treatment of decubitus are enormous and decubitus tends to occur more often since the population is growing older. The so called anti-decubitus devices were grouped in 3 categories: 1. polyether foam mattresses, placed on top of the standard hospital mattresses (merely in prevention and in treatment of patients less than 85 kg), 2. polyether foam mattresses with or without special surface layout or simple alternating pressure air mattresses, replacing the standard hospital mattress (especially in patients greater than 85 kg) and 3. special beds and bed systems as low-air-loss beds and air-fluidized beds (only on strict indications such as thoracic operations and intensive treatments). The clinical manifestations of decubitus were classified in 4 stages: non-blanching erythema (1), blister (2), superficial decubitus (3) and deep decubitus (4). The existence of another form of pressure sores was identified: decubitus originating from operation or angiography tables, on which a deep necrosis develops, extending to form an abscess, erupting through the skin after 7-14 days. These ulcers are characterised by an impressive depth, usually to the underlying bones, but with vivid edges. The development of these sores is prevented in most cases by using a category 1 device on the tables mentioned.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)