The image below shows a pressure sore. Which stage does this belong to? [image]

Correct Answer: B. Stage 4

Stage 4 pressure ulcers (also called pressure injuries or bedsores) represent the most severe category, characterized by full-thickness skin loss with extensive tissue damage extending into muscle, bone, or supporting structures. The defining feature is exposure of deeper anatomical layers—muscle, tendon, bone, or joint capsule—which distinguishes it from Stage 3 (which stops at the subcutaneous layer). In Indian clinical practice, Stage 4 ulcers are commonly seen in chronically immobilized patients in tertiary care settings, particularly those with spinal cord injuries, prolonged ICU stays, or advanced malignancy. The presence of slough, eschar, or visible deep structures (bone, cartilage, muscle) on the wound bed is pathognomonic for Stage 4. These ulcers carry high morbidity due to risk of osteomyelitis, sepsis, and contractures. Management requires aggressive debridement, infection control, nutritional support, and often surgical intervention (flap coverage). The NPUAP (National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel) classification, adopted in Indian guidelines, mandates documentation of depth, undermining, and involvement of deep structures for accurate staging.

Why the other options are wrong

A. Stage 3 — Stage 3 ulcers involve full-thickness skin loss but the wound bed does NOT expose muscle, bone, or cartilage—it stops at the subcutaneous fat layer. The presence of visible deep structures (muscle/bone) in the image makes this Stage 4, not Stage 3. This is the most common trap because both are 'full-thickness,' but depth of tissue involvement is the discriminator. C. Stage 1 — Stage 1 is non-blanchable erythema of intact skin with no tissue loss. It represents the earliest, most superficial stage. The image clearly shows significant tissue destruction and depth, making Stage 1 anatomically impossible. This option tests whether students confuse severity with staging. D. Stage 2 — Stage 2 involves partial-thickness skin loss (epidermis and dermis) with a shallow, open wound. There is no exposure of subcutaneous fat, muscle, or bone. The deep tissue involvement visible in the image excludes Stage 2. This trap catches students who focus on 'open wound' without assessing depth.

High-Yield Facts

Mnemonics

DEPTH = Stage Stage 1 = skin intact (Erythema only) | Stage 2 = Dermis exposed (partial-thickness) | Stage 3 = subcutaneous fat visible (full-thickness, no muscle) | Stage 4 = Muscle/bone exposed (full-thickness + deep structures). Use: When you see the wound, ask 'What's the deepest layer I can see?' If it's muscle or bone → Stage 4. BONE = Stage 4 If you can see or probe to bone, cartilage, or muscle → Stage 4. Anything less deep → Stage 3 or below. Use: Quick bedside rule in Indian hospitals where imaging may be delayed.

NBE Trap

NBE pairs "full-thickness skin loss" with Stage 3 to trap students who memorize "full-thickness = Stage 3" without distinguishing between subcutaneous fat exposure (Stage 3) vs. muscle/bone exposure (Stage 4). The discriminator is depth of tissue involvement, not just presence of open wound.

Clinical Pearl

In Indian tertiary care, Stage 4 ulcers over the sacrum or ischial tuberosity in paraplegic patients often develop osteomyelitis within 6–8 weeks if not aggressively debrided. Early imaging (MRI preferred) and infectious disease consultation are critical to prevent sepsis and mortality in resource-constrained settings.

_Reference: Bailey & Love Ch. 6 (Wounds & Wound Healing); Harrison Ch. 119 (Pressure Ulcers); NPUAP Classification (adopted in Indian surgical guidelines)_