Foot ulcers
A standardized and consistent strategy for evaluating wounds is essential and will guide further therapy. The following items must be addressed.
Cause
Ill-fitting shoes are the most frequent cause of ulceration, even in patients with ‘pure’ ischaemic ulcers. Therefore, shoes should be examined meticulously in all patients.
Type
Most ulcers can be classified as neuropathic, ischaemic, or neuro-ischaemic. This will guide further therapy. Assessment of the vascular tree is essential in the management of a foot ulcer.
If one or more pedal pulses are absent, or if an ulcer does not improve despite optimal treatment, more extensive vascular evaluation should be performed. As a first step, the ankle brachial pressure can be measured. An ankle brachial pressure index less than 0.9 is a sign of peripheral arterial disease. However, ankle pressure might be falsely elevated because of calcification of the arteries. Preferably, other tests, such as measurements of toe pressure or transcutaneous pressure of oxygen (TcPo2), should be used. Figure 5 gives an estimate of the chance of healing using the tests. If a major amputation is being contemplated, the option of revascularization should be considered first.