Recurrent venous leg ulcers: clinical analysis of an experience

Despite recent advances in wound care, varicose ulcers of lower limbs remain frequent and display a high rate of recurrence. In this paper, we examined the clinical, surgical histories and associated diseases of 133 patients with venous ulcers of the lower limbs, which were recurrent in 56 cases. The analysis of potential risk factors for recurrence showed that the presence of recurrent varicose veins, a previous deep venous thrombosis, orthopedic problems, previous orthopedic procedures, obesity and age lower than 60 are potential risk factors for ulcer recurrence. Furthermore, the association of one or more risk factors increased the likelihood of relapse, from 22.7% with no risk factors to 33% with 2 risk factors, up to 57.5% with 3 risk factors, and up to 81.3% with 4 risk factors or more. Venous ulcers require close follow-up and continuous elastic compression, close collaboration by the patient and specific focus on risk factors.