Lower Extremity Ulcers

Abstract

Lower extremity ulcerations contribute to significant morbidity and economic burden globally. Chronic wounds, or those that do not progress through healing in a timely manner, are estimated to affect 6.5 million people in the United States alone causing, significant morbidity and economic burden of at least an estimated $25 billion annually. Owing to the aging population and increasing rates of obesity and diabetes mellitus globally, chronic lower extremity ulcers are predicted to increase. Here, we explore the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of the most (and least) commonly seen lower extremity ulcers.

Keywords: Arterial ulcer; Diabetic neuropathy; Diabetic ulcer; Leg ulcer; Peripheral artery disease; Venous insufficiency; Venous ulcer; Wound care.