Stage 3

In a Stage 3 PU there will be full thickness skin loss involving damage or necrosis of subcutaneous tissue that may extend down to but not through underlying fascia. 

The ulcer presents clinically as a deep crater, with or without undermining of adjacent tissue.

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Remember the anatomy of the skin down to the level of subcutaneous tissue. The margins of the wound are usually irregular and may or may not be attached to the wall or base of the ulcer. If they are not attached, it is known as ‘undermining’.

Undermining is a separation of the tissues beyond the wound margin in a horizontal fashion. You must be able to clearly identify the end of the undermining to classify it as a Stage 3 PU.

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