Peripheral vascular considerations.
Arterial pathology of the lower extremity is common in the elderly. It has been the author's experience that most arterial pathology affecting the foot is caused by peripheral arterial occlusive disease, emboli, or infection. One of the most important factors determining whether healing will take place is the adequacy of the arterial blood supply. It is essential that health care providers be able to recognize whether the patient's blood flow is sufficient to maintain tissue nutrition or heal an ischemic ulcer, whether signs or symptoms presented by the patient are a result of an arterial system disorder, and, if arterial blood flow is compromised, whether the patient should be referred to a specialist.
Hoffman
Arlene F
AF
Department of Podiatric Medicine and Basic Sciences, California College of Podiatric Medicine, 2100 Webster Street, Suite 202, San Francisco, CA 94115-2375, USA.
D000368:Aged; D005528:Foot / Q000601:surgery; D005853:Geriatrics; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D008487:Medical History Taking; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010808:Physical Examination; D011032:Podiatry / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors