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A pressure ulcer that has progressed through the tissues to the muscle is classified as Stage 4. At this stage, the ulcer not only affects the skin and underlying tissue but has also extended into deeper structures, including fat, muscle, and potentially even bone. This advanced stage is characterized by the presence of extensive tissue loss, exposing underlying muscle and/or bone, and often involves significant risk of infection and complications due to the severity of the damage.

Understanding the stages of pressure ulcers is crucial for effective treatment and prevention strategies. Each stage indicates the depth of tissue damage and informs healthcare providers about the appropriate interventions required to manage the ulcer and prevent further deterioration. In contrast, earlier stages, such as Stage 1, which involves intact skin with non-blanchable redness, and Stage 2, where there is partial-thickness skin loss, involve less severe tissue damage. Stage 3 indicates full-thickness skin loss but does not extend to muscle or bone.