Ulcers result from breaks in the dermal barrier, with subsequenterosion of underlying subcutaneous tissue. In severe cases,the breach may extend to muscle and bone. Primary care providersare often the first to evaluate nonhealing pedal ulcers. Earlyrecognition of the cause and prompt management of ulcers areessential for a good functional outcome. In many cases, successfulsalvage of an extremity depends on a multidisciplinary teamof specialists, and timely consultation is warranted.
Causes
Walking consists of a complex series of biomechanical eventsinvolving triplanar movements of the foot and ankle (Figure 1A).2 A variety of external . . . [Full Text of this Article]
Arterial Insufficiency
Neuropathy
Musculoskeletal Abnormalities
Diabetes Mellitus
Assessment and Management
Vascular Causes
Neurologic and Musculoskeletal Causes
Wound
Summary
Source Information
From the Department of Surgery (Vascular), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn.
Address reprint requests to Dr. Sumpio at the Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510, or at bauer.sumpio@yale.edu.
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