An introduction to leg ulcers
“Leg ulceration is a chronic wound on the leg which fails to heal”1
Venous stasis and arterial leg ulcers are a consequence of poor blood flow through the legs, due to problems with the blood vessels themselves or due to underlying disease which compromises effective blood flow.
The vast majority of leg ulcers in western societies are of venous origin (approximately 80-90%). Ulcers caused by arterial disease account for 5-10% of cases2. Ulcers that are caused by a combination of venous and arterial disease can occur and present challenges for management3. Other causes include neuropathy which is usually associated with diabetes2.
Leg ulcers are commonly associated with elderly people4 and women have a higher incidence of leg ulceration than men5.
According to a 2001 publication, “The cost of treating CVI has been estimated to be $750 million to $1 billion per year in the United States”.6
References [+]
- Moffat CJ, Franks PJ, Doherty DC, Martin R, Blewett R and Ross F. Prevalence of leg ulceration in a London population. Q J Med 2004;97:431-437
- Phillips TJ, Dover J. Continuing medical education: Leg ulcers. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 1991;25(6):part 1:965-989
- Grey JE, Enoch S and Harding KG. ABC of Wound Healing: Venous and arterial leg ulcers. BMJ 2006;332:347-50.
- Callam MJ, Harper DR, Dale JJ, Ruckley CV. Chronic ulcer of the leg: clinical history. BMJ 1987;294;1389-1391
- Callam MJ, Ruckley CV, Harper DR, Dale JJ. Chronic ulceration of the leg: extent of the problem and provision of care. BMJ 1985;290:1855-1856
- Weingarten MS. State of the art treatment of chronic venous disease. Clin Infect Dis 2001;32:949-54