Venous stasis ulcer

Venus stasis ulcers are the result of the breakdown of the tissues usually in the lower legs as the result of diminished circulation. As the tissues lose their source of nutrition and waste removal, breakdown in the skin occurs resulting in ulcerated lesions that resist healing. The most likely cause is lost efficiency of the valves in the deep veins of the leg increasing the pressure in the veins and thus decreasing the exchange of blood from arteries through the capillaries. Any mechanism that might block or diminish flow through the deep veins can cause the condition. These would include long term causes such as atherosclerotic lesions or plaques building within the venous walls or can be caused by short term conditions that result in swelling and increased vascular pressure such as sprained ankles, knee effusions, and even improperly applied wraps or bandages.

Treatment

A randomized controlled trial found that surgery can reduce the rate of recurrent ulceration from 56% to 31%.