Diagnosing leg ulcers

Leg ulcer is not a diagnosis. The ulcer is not the disease but a manifestation of the underlying process (Young, 1994). Leg ulceration affects approximately 1% of the population at any point in time and is most commonly associated with venous and arterial disease. Between 60 and 90% of leg ulcer patients are managed entirely in the community, mainly by district nurses during frequent home visits. Leg ulcer assessment and subsequent diagnosis is the most important aspect of leg ulcer management to ensure successful subsequent treatment and prevention of recurrence. Accurate assessment and successful management includes the use of Doppler ultrasound and bandaging techniques which has educational and training implications. The best way to influence healing is to adopt a community based approach with the focus of diagnosis through accurate holistic assessment.