What are pressure injuries?

Author: SCIRE Community Team | Reviewer: Susan Andrews | Published: 3 November 2017 | Updated: ~

Circular wound on the side of the ankle bones. Wound is slightly red with bits of yellow and weeping fluid. The wound is surrounded by light pink skin.

Pressure injury (stage 3) on the side of the ankle.1

A pressure injury (also known as pressure wound, pressure ulcer or bed sore) is a breakdown of the skin and the tissues under the skin that is caused by pressure, friction, or shear.

Pressure injuries are a common complication of SCI that happens because of changes to the body and how it is used after the injury. Pressure injuries usually happen on areas of the body that bear weight in sitting or lying, such as the sit bones, tailbone, heels, back of the knees, elbows, and shoulder blades.