Guidelines for the Prevention of Lower Extremity Arterial Ulcers

    March 2008 in “ Wound Repair and Regeneration ”
    Harriet W. Hopf, Cristiane M. Ueno, Rummana Aslam, Alan Dardik, Caroline E. Fife, Lynne Grant, Allen Holloway, Mark D. Iafrati, Bruce D. Misare, Noah Rosen, Dag Shapshak, J. Benjamin Slade, Judith West, Adrian Barbul
    TLDR Prevent lower extremity arterial ulcers by screening for risk factors, using medical treatments, and involving interdisciplinary care.
    The guidelines developed by the Wound Healing Society for preventing lower extremity arterial ulcers focused on managing Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease (PAOD) through awareness, education, and preventive interventions. Key recommendations included the use of antiplatelet drugs, statins, and smoking cessation to reduce cardiovascular risks, with a multidisciplinary approach involving early referral to vascular specialists. Regular screening using noninvasive assessments like the Ankle Brachial Index was crucial, especially for high-risk groups such as the elderly, diabetics, and smokers. The guidelines also emphasized the importance of proper footwear, orthotics, and patient education to prevent tissue trauma. Surgical revascularization was advised only for patients with critical limb ischemia, while lifestyle modifications were deemed essential for prevention. The recommendations were supported by a comprehensive review of literature and expert consensus, with varying levels of evidence.
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