Physiological changes in tissues denervated by spinal cord injury tissues and possible effects on wound healing.

There are many metabolic and physiological changes that happen to the tissues below the level of a spinal cord injury. These deficits are examined in relation to the series of events that has to take place for wound healing - the "wound healing cascade". The conclusion is that every step of the wound healing process is impaired by the physiological deficits inherent post-spinal cord injury. This may explain, in part, why pressure ulcers on these patients are so difficult to close and to maintain closed.