Pressure ulcers in spinal cord injury: an unusual site and etiology

Abstract

Case series of pressure ulcers in patients with spinal cord injury after inappropriate and prolonged application of graduated compression stockings are presented. Three adult patients with spinal cord injury were fitted with graduated compression stockings in the acute phase to prevent thromboembolism. Acute hospital staff did not monitor the skin for potential pressure ulcer because of the graduated compression stockings. Grade II pressure ulcers developed on the toes in all three cases. All pressure ulcers were managed conservatively and healed without complication. The manufacturers of graduated compression stockings did not include information about the need to monitor patients with sensory impairment for pressure ulcers. It is suggested that the manufacturers of graduated compression stockings include information about the need to monitor patients with sensory impairment for skin breakdown. When graduated compression stockings are applied to patients with sensory impairment, including spinal cord injury, staff needs to be vigilant for pressure ulcers occurring at the extremes of the graduated compression stockings, in addition to the more common areas where pressure ulcers occur.