Causes of PU
Helpful YouTube Video: What are the causes of pressure sores in people with spinal cord injuries?
Great Resource
Pressure sores: Frequently asked questions answered in depth by a Clinical Nurse Specialist (Mary Zeigler) from Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.
Click on the link for access to more helpful short Q&A videos specific to PUs: http://www.facingdisability.com/expert-topics/preventing-pressure-sores
Click on the link for access to more helpful short Q&A videos specific to PUs: http://www.facingdisability.com/expert-topics/preventing-pressure-sores
Common Sites of PU
(image from Houghton & Campbell, 2013, p. 113)
"The amount of pressure diffusion determines the tissue stress, with wider redistribution decreasing stress" (Houghton & Campbell, 2013). There is little pressure redistribution on prominences pictured to the left, resulting in increased stress.
"Shear stress results from tissue strain or deformation. Tissue deformation depends to a certain extent on the mechanical properties of the tissue and supporting surface, with softer tissues being more susceptible to shear forces . Both pressure and shear forces increase the risk of injury" (Houghton & Campbell, 2013).
It is important to examine sites around bony prominences, as these areas are susceptible to pressure ulcer development. Skin should preferably be inspected twice a day, paying special attention to the ares most vulnerable to pressure ulcer development (see sites highlighted in picture to left). Frequent inspection allows for increased familiarity with normal skin appearance, and therefore promotes earlier detection of abnormalities, redness, or discolouration (Houghton & Campbell, 2013).