When Epithelialization Beats Granulation in Sacrococcygeal Stage IV Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: A Report of Two Cases

Wound healing typically occurs in 4 sequential stages: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. During the proliferation stage, the wound undergoes granulation, angiogenesis, and epithelialization. Granulation involves the growth of connective tissue and blood vessels to fill the wound space. Granulation tissue provides a scaffold for subsequent tissue regeneration, supports angiogenesis, and aids in wound contraction. Classically, it also supports epithelialization. The timing and extent of granulation and epithelialization may vary depending on the size and type of wound. In certain cases, especially with superficial wounds or partial-thickness injuries, the intact blood supply from deeper tissue layers may be sufficient to support epithelialization without significant granulation tissue formation. However, this pathway has not been described for full-thickness wounds.