Skin thickness on bony prominences measured by ultrasonography in patients with spinal cord injury

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2013 · DOI: 10.1179/2045772312Y.0000000088 · Published: May 1, 2013

Spinal Cord Injury Medical Imaging Dermatology

Simple Explanation

This study used ultrasound to measure skin thickness over bony areas in patients with spinal cord injuries and compared them to healthy individuals. The goal was to see if ultrasound could detect differences in skin thickness between the two groups, which could help predict pressure sores. The researchers measured skin thickness at the sacrum, greater trochanter, ischium, and waist (as a control area) in both groups using high-frequency ultrasound. The study found that skin was significantly thinner over the sacrum and ischial tuberosity in individuals with spinal cord injury compared to healthy individuals. No significant differences were observed at the greater trochanter or waist.

Study Duration

6 Months

Participants

32 patients with complete thoracic SCI and 34 able-bodied individuals

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The skin was significantly thinner over the sacrum in SCI individuals compared with healthy volunteers.
2
The skin was significantly thinner over the ischial tuberosity in SCI individuals compared with healthy volunteers.
3
No significant differences were observed in skin thickness over the greater trochanter or waist between the two groups.

Research Summary

This study investigated skin thickness over bony prominences in patients with SCI using ultrasonography, comparing them to healthy controls. The objective was to determine if ultrasound could detect differences in skin thickness, potentially aiding in pressure sore prediction. The study revealed significantly thinner skin over the sacrum and ischial tuberosity in SCI patients compared to healthy individuals, while no significant differences were found at the greater trochanter or waist. The authors conclude that ultrasound measurement of skin thickness is a reliable, non-invasive method that could be a promising tool for predicting pressure ulcers in patients with SCI.

Practical Implications

Early Detection of Pressure Damage

Significant differences in skin thickness at the sacrum and ischium provide a basis for establishing early signs of pressure damage.

Predictive Tool

Ultrasonography has merit as a predictive tool for pressure-related skin damage, enabling clinicians to monitor skin changes in patients with SCI for early detection of pressure-related changes.

Protective Care Development

Findings have important implications for developing protective care strategies to prevent pressure ulcers in susceptible patient populations.

Study Limitations

1
Relatively small numbers of patients and controls
2
Skin thickness was measured by a physician aware of the neurological status of the participants.
3
The correlation in the control group was only between the sacrum and trochanter and not other sites.

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