title: Venous ulcers--an evidence-based update.
abstract: Leg ulceration can be defined as any chronic ulcer of the lower leg excluding those on the forefoot or toes (Lees & Lambert, 1992). Venous or stasis ulcers account for 80%-85% of all leg ulcers with an overall prevalence of approximately 1% in the United States (Collins & Seraj, 2010; O'Meara, Al-Kurdi, & Ovington, 2008). Venous ulcers are more common in women and the older population (Abbade & Lastoria, 2005; Bergqvist, Lindholm, & Nelzen, 1999). Venous ulcers are often recurrent and chronic and can persist from weeks to even years. Severe complications include cellulitis, osteomyelitis, and malignant changes (Collins & Seraj, 2010). This column discusses the pathophysiology of venous insufficiency and ulcerations, presentation, diagnosis, and current treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA. marcia.spear@vanderbilt.edu
authors.forename: Marcia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Spear
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D014647:Varicose Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D014945:Wound Healing