Pressure sore staging

Approximately two-thirds of all pressure sores occur on the sacrum and heels. The remaining third occur predominately on the elbows, ankles, trochanters, ischia, knees, scapulas, shoulders, or occiput.35 Pressure sores are classified according to the extent of tissue destruction.40 The staging of pressure sores is presented in Table 70-7. 

Stage 1 Pressure sore is generally reversible, is limited to the epidermis, and resembles an abrasion. It is best described as an irregularly shaped area of soft-tissue swelling with induration and heat... 

Numerous systems for classification of pressure sores have been described. The two most frequently used systems are those of Shea and the 1989 National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. These classification systems define the various stages of progression through which a pressure sore may pass (Table 108-5). 

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