Common Locations for the Development of Decubitus Ulcers
in Wheelchair-Bound Individuals

[or individuals who spend a lot of time restrained in a sitting position]

INCORRECT WHEELCHAIR POSITIONING

This drawing was kindly provided by Spinal Cord Injury Information located at SCI-Info-Pages.com. “Quadriplegic, paraplegic and caregiver resources for those living with a spinal cord injury or other disabling injuries or disease of the spine.”

A Decubitus ulcer is primarily formed from the pressure and weight of one's own body pressing the skin and other tissues between the person's bone(s) and a firm surface, such as the seat of a wheel chair. However, any hard surface can rub the skin, creating a wound which for all practical purposes will be a Decubitus ulcer. This is why all surfaces that touch the skin need to be well padded, and the person needs to change positions every 2 hours or more frequently if redness or irritation develops. This will greatly reduce or eliminate the risk of Decubitus ulcer formation. This is also why a synonymous term for Decubitus ulcer is "Pressure Sore."

Any person who is physically able to use his/her arms to raise their hips and thighs off a chair or wheelchair need to be instructed to do so every 15 minutes while sitting. This greatly reduces the occurrence of Decubitus ulcers or pressure wounds. Ask your physical therapist to instruct you in this and other positioning techniques.

The most common site for the development of a Decubitus ulcer is upon the coccyx or buttock when someone sits for extended periods of time without changing their position. Also areas on the backs of the arms and legs are especially prone to the development of Decubitus ulcers if the person is paralyzed and the limbs are resting upon the hard surfaces of a wheelchair's arm or leg rest.

THE PRIMARY GOAL OF DECUBITUS ULCER TREATMENT IS PREVENTION.