Spatial Geometry and Prevalence of Tunneling and Undermining in Pressure Ulcers
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Background
Pressure ulcers often develop complex three-dimensional morphologies that extend beyond the visible wound surface. Subsurface extensions such as tunneling and undermining create hidden cavities that complicate clinical assessment and wound management. Despite their clinical relevance, the prevalence and spatial characteristics of these subsurface wound morphologies have not been well characterized at scale.
Methods
We performed a registry-based analysis using data from the LIFT-OFF Pressure Ulcer Registry, which captures longitudinal clinical documentation of pressure ulcers treated in routine care. The registry included approximately 18,000 patients with 32,000 documented pressure ulcers. Spatial characteristics of tunneling and undermining were analyzed using measurements recorded during routine wound assessments, including tract length, direction, and circumferential extent. Directional and circumferential distributions of subsurface defects were examined to characterize wound geometry.
Results
Tunneling was present in 764 of 14,700 full-thickness pressure ulcers (5.2%), whereas undermining occurred in 2,293 wounds (15.6%). Tunneling tracts were typically short and exhibited directional clustering relative to the wound bed. In contrast, undermining demonstrated broader circumferential distributions and frequently involved larger subsurface separations beneath the wound margin. Both morphologies demonstrated distinct spatial patterns across anatomical locations and wound stages.
Conclusion
Tunneling and undermining are common subsurface features of pressure ulcers and exhibit distinct spatial geometries. Whereas tunneling manifests as directional tract-like extensions, undermining more frequently produces circumferential tissue separation beneath wound margins. Improved characterization of subsurface wound architecture may enhance assessment of wound complexity and provide information not captured by surface measurements alone. Future studies should evaluate whether these features contribute to wound severity assessment, prognosis, and risk stratification.
