Evaluation of arterial blood flow in the lower extremity

Podiatrists need to evaluate arterial blood flow to determine whether arterial flow is compatible for healing following a contemplated surgery, to determine whether arterial flow is at a compatible level to prevent tissue necrosis or heal an ischemic ulcer, and to determine whether the patient should be referred to a vascular surgeon for consideration of the possible surgery. This article addresses these needs and provides guidelines to help make these assessments.