[CHRONIC WOUND--A NEW ETIOPATHOGENETIC STATE AND MODERN THERAPEUTIC APPROACH]

Lower leg ulcer is the most common form of ulceration of lower extremities. The prevalence of leg ulcer varies among studies from 0.1% to 0.6%. During the last decade, new concepts on the inflammatory phase in chronic ulcer have been discovered, such as the importance of metalloproteinases, growth factor, irregular muscular function, vascular insufficiency and presence of biofilm in the ulcer that prevents healing. There are several hypotheses to explain the pathophysiological steps, referring to popliteal venous hypertension. Currently, the treatment of leg ulcer relies on due knowledge of ulcer pathophysiology and making an accurate diagnosis. Today, modern supportive dressings improve the patient's quality of life; however, their targeted application according to the protocol and indications is required. A new method of efficient wound biofim exclusion today is the application of hydrofiber dressings containing a combination of silver ions and two disinfectants because they influence the exclusion and prevention of new biofilm formation in the ulcer.