Definition: Full thickness skin loss 
 
Full thickness tissue loss. Subcutaneous fat may be visible but
bone, tendon or muscle are not exposed. Slough may be present
but does not obscure the depth of tissue loss. May include
undermining and tunneling. The depth of a Category/Grade III
pressure ulcer varies by anatomical location. The bridge of the
nose, ear, occiput and malleolus do not have (adipose)
subcutaneous tissue and Category/Grade III ulcers can be
shallow. In contrast, areas of significant adiposity can develop
extremely deep Category/Grade III pressure ulcers. Bone/Tendon
is not visible or directly palpable.
 
NPUAP/EPUAP Pressure Ulcer Classification System 2014
Pressure Ulcer Grading - EPUAP
Category/Grade 3