Leg Ulcer (Ulcus Cruris)

"Open leg" refers to long-lasting venous insufficiency that causes sustained damage to the skin, ultimately resulting in its complete destruction. This condition can lead to chronic ulcers and severe tissue breakdown.

A "leg ulcer" refers to persistent wounds on the lower legs. The most common causes are venous disorders, such as varicose veins ("venous insufficiency") or thrombosis ("venous thromboembolism"). Other potential causes include arterial disorders, small blood vessel diseases ("arteriolopathies"), vascular inflammations ("vasculitis"), or immune system disorders ("pyoderma gangraenosum").

When wounds appear on the legs, identifying the underlying cause is crucial. Often, patients suffer from leg wounds for extended periods, receiving regular dressings without a proper diagnostic assessment, which hinders effective treatment and healing.

"Open leg" refers to long-lasting venous insufficiency that causes sustained damage to the skin, ultimately resulting in its complete destruction. This condition can lead to chronic ulcers and severe tissue breakdown.

Therefore, a comprehensive (causal) evaluation of the wound(s) is essential. This includes:

Ultrasound (Duplex Sonography): To assess blood flow and detect any venous or arterial abnormalities.
Laboratory Tests: Analysis of blood and wound secretions to identify infections or other underlying conditions.
Arterial Pressure Measurements: Precise measurement of arterial pressures in the leg to evaluate blood supply.

In certain cases, a surgical biopsy and microscopic examination ("dermatohistopathology") may be necessary.

Treatment of chronic wounds should always address the underlying cause. Often, managing and treating a wound requires patience and interdisciplinary collaboration. In extensive cases, covering the wound with a skin graft (such as a split-thickness skin graft or "Reverdin" graft) may be considered. This approach can promote healing in particularly chronic, treatment-resistant wounds.