title: Investigations for Assessment.
abstract: One of the most important aspects of leg ulcer management is to establish the causal pathology. Unless the correct diagnosis is established treatment is, at best, likely to be unsuccessful but could be harmful1. For example, inappropriate use of compression bandaging can cause significant skin necrosis1,2. Equally, failure to use adequate compression when treating venous ulceration has been shown to delay healing3significantly. It is therefore important that the patient is fully assessed and a structured history obtained4,5. This should determine which investigations will be required.
authors.affiliation: Clinical nurse specialist.
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Vowden
authors.affiliation: Consultant vascular surgeon, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford NHS Hospitals Trust.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vowden