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Toolkit

Pressure Injury Toolkit For Spinal Cord Injury and Spina Bifida

Beyond the wound - Bringing best practice to the bedside

Wound Location

Wound Assessment Wound Location

Identify wound location to:

  • Provide accurate communication and documentation
  • Assist in identifying possible contributing mechanical factors and to determine effective positioning options.

Ischial Tuberosity (IT) Sacrum and Coccyx Greater Trochanter (GT)

Ischial Tuberosity (IT)

The ischial tuberosities, known as the “ITs” or “sitting bones”, are at risk due to long periods of sitting and using a wheelchair for mobility. A pressure injury over the IT has very serious implications for people with SCI or SB. Even if it was not the original cause, various mechanical factors will contribute to delayed healing of an IT wound.

Sacrum and Coccyx

A pressure injury over the sacrum requires a comprehensive physical assessment to determine which surfaces it comes into contact with and what activities may cause friction or shear on the area. Even if it is not the original cause, various mechanical factors will contribute to delayed healing of a sacral wound.

Greater Trochanter (GT)

A pressure injury can develop on the lateral side of the GT (hip) or the underside of the GT. A comprehensive physical assessment to determine which surfaces it comes into contact with and what activities may cause friction or shear on the area is required. Even if it is not the original cause, various mechanical factors will contribute to delayed healing of a GT wound.