Ultrasonography Detects Deep Tissue Injuries in the Subcutaneous Layers of the Buttocks Following Spinal Cord Injury

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil. 2018 Fall;24(4):371-378. doi: 10.1310/sci17-00031. Epub 2018 Feb 12.

Abstract

Background: Ultrasonography may have potential as an effective diagnostic tool for deep tissue injury (DTI) in tissues overlying bony prominences that are vulnerable when under sustained loading in sitting. Methods: Three cases of DTI in the fat and muscle layers overlying the ischial tuberosity of the pelvis in 3 persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) with different medical histories and abnormal tissue signs are described. Conclusion: There is a need for prospective studies using a reliable standardized ultrasonography protocol to diagnose DTI and to follow its natural history to determine its association with the development of pressure injuries.

Keywords: deep tissue injury; pressure ulcer; spinal cord injury; ultrasonic imaging; ultrasonography.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Buttocks / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pressure Ulcer / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pressure Ulcer / etiology
  • Soft Tissue Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Soft Tissue Injuries / etiology
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / complications
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ultrasonography