The evolution of leg ulcer guidelines and recommendations

Area of Science:

• Wound Care
• Clinical Practice Guidelines
• Vascular Health

Background:

• Clinical guidelines standardize care and improve patient outcomes.
• Evidence-based practice is crucial for effective patient management.
• Reducing practice variations enhances healthcare quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To trace the evolution of clinical guidelines for leg ulcer assessment and management.
• To discuss changes in leg ulcer definitions and aetiology.
• To highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in leg ulcer care.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of seminal and current clinical guidelines.
• Analysis of changes in recommendations for leg ulcer assessment and management.
• Discussion of diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches.

Main Results:

• Significant evolution in leg ulcer guidelines from 1998 to 2023.
• Recent recommendations omit historical ankle brachial pressure index ranges.
• A consistent emphasis on multidisciplinary care for leg ulcer aetiology.

Conclusions:

• Clinical guidelines continue to shape leg ulcer assessment and treatment.
• Evolving recommendations reflect advancements in wound care.
• A multidisciplinary approach remains fundamental for managing leg ulcers.