A clinical study of ulcers of the leg

Background: Chronic ulceration of the lower leg is a frequent condition; incidence of ulceration is rising as a result of the ageing population and increased risk factors for atherosclerotic occlusion such as smoking, obesity and diabetes. Aim: To compare and analyze the distribution of age, sex, systemic disease and location of the ulcer among the study group. Materials and methods: Prospective study of 200 cases of chronic leg ulcers admitted with regular dressing, debridement, treating the underlying systemic disease, skin grafting and amputation were done. Results: The highest age incidence of leg and foot ulcers in this study was in the age group of 51 years and above (45.5%). There was a marked male predominance of 86%. Foot was the most commonly affected region 88%. 87.5% of venous ulcers were situated in the gaiter zone. 88% of diabetic ulcers were situated in the foot. 100% of the arterial ulcers were situated in the foot. Of malignant and other ulcers 60% were situated in the foot and 40% in the leg. Staphylococcus was found to be the most common pathogen to be isolated from the ulcers i.e., 28.9%. Conclusion: Underlying vascular disorders are the main etiological factors for leg and foot ulcers with diabetes forming a major risk factor. Diabetes was the commonest disease associated with chronic leg ulceration.