Current approaches to venous ulcers and compression.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Venous ulcers affect as many as 2.5 million people in the United States and can cause substantial pain and loss of function. OBJECTIVE: To review current approaches to venous ulcers and compression. METHOD: Treatment options that have been proposed in the literature are discussed utilizing the Cochrane library database, Medline, and the author's clinical experience. RESULTS: Diagnostic findings and management strategies for venous ulcers are reviewed. CONCLUSION: Good wound care and compression therapy will heal the majority of small venous ulcers of short duration. For ulcers that are slow to heal, other approaches such as venous surgery and grafting with conventional or bioengineered skin substitutes should be considered.