Peripheral Arterial Perfusion: Is it Adequate for Wound Healing?

 Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) can seriously inhibit or prevent healing of lower extremity and foot ulcerations. The history and physical findings consistent with PAOD are reviewed and the typical characteristics of ischemic, venous, and neuropathic ulcerations are compared and contrasted. Noninvasive diagnostic testing techniques currently used to confirm the diagnosis of PAOD are summarized.