Medical Terminology for Bed Sores on the Buttocks
Bed sores on the buttocks are medically termed "pressure ulcers" (also known as pressure injuries, decubitus ulcers, or pressure sores), with the buttocks representing one of the most common anatomical sites—specifically the sacral and ischial regions.
Terminology and Classification
The condition you're asking about has several accepted medical terms, all referring to the same pathology 1, 2:
- Pressure ulcers (most current terminology)
- Pressure injuries (increasingly preferred in recent literature)
- Decubitus ulcers (traditional Latin-derived term)
- Pressure sores
- Bedsores (colloquial but widely understood)
Anatomical Specificity for Buttocks Region
When pressure ulcers occur on the buttocks, they typically develop over two specific bony prominences 1:
- Sacral pressure ulcers - occurring over the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine)
- Ischial pressure ulcers - occurring over the ischial tuberosities (the "sit bones")
These are among the most common sites for pressure ulcer development, along with the heels and trochanters 1.
Pathophysiology
Pressure ulcers develop from unrelieved pressure, shear forces, or friction that causes localized damage to the skin and underlying soft tissue 2, 3. The sacral and ischial regions are particularly vulnerable because 4:
- They bear significant body weight during sitting or lying supine
- They have prominent bony structures with minimal soft tissue cushioning
- They experience prolonged pressure during immobility
Clinical Documentation
When documenting these lesions, clinicians should specify 4:
- Anatomical location (sacral vs. ischial)
- Stage (I through IV, or unstageable)
- Size and depth
- Presence of undermining or tunneling
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not confuse pressure ulcers on the buttocks with perianal or perirectal abscesses, which present with pain referred to the buttocks but originate from obstructed anal crypt glands and require different management (surgical drainage) 5.