The Rutherford classification is a commonly used clinical staging system for describing peripheral arterial disease. This article will explain the Rutherford classification and show how it can be used as an objective scale to allow clinicians to describe and discuss patients with peripheral artery disease using a common terminology.
Toe gangrene
Toe gangrene secondary to arterial disease
The Rutherford classification is similar to the Fontaine classification, but is more commonly cited in newer publications in the field of Vascular medicine. Also, the Rutherford classification is a clinical means of describing peripheral artery disease, as opposed to the angiographic criteria proposed by the TASC group in 2007. The Rutherford classification for peripheral arterial disease need not be confused with the venous clinical severity score, also described by Rutherford. Both the Rutherford and the Fontaine classifications are not used routinely in clinical practice, but rather more in research settings. However, as the 2005 ACC/AHA guidelines point out, they may be useful for standardized communication between clinicians.