title: Approach to diagnosing lower extremity ulcers.
abstract: Chronic leg ulcers (as differentiated from wound of the foot) are most often due to venous disease, arterial insufficiency (peripheral arterial disease), or a combination of both. Treatment modalities vary depending on the etiology of the ulcer, so it is important to make an appropriate diagnosis of the wound. Like for most medical illnesses, the determination of the etiology of these wounds is based on history, physical examination, and testing.
authors.affiliation: Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Eri
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fukaya
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Margolis
mesh_terms: D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000175:diagnosis; D058729:Peripheral Arterial Disease / Q000175:diagnosis; D010808:Physical Examination; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis