DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2016.v04i04.053

Pages: 1392-1397

Ulcer is defined as a breach in the continuity of the covering epithelium of skin or mucous membrane with molecular death of cells. The chronic ulcer is one which persists for more than six weeks or three months without any signs of healing or no complete healing even upto one year. The present study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in the hilly state of Himachal in North India from March-2015 to feb. 2016. We have compiled and analysed the clinical data of patients with chronic lower limb ulcer, who attended General surgery Out Patient Department in the last one year. During the study period, a total of 38 patients with chronic ulcers of the lower limb presented to our surgical Out Patient Department .Of which 13 were of venous, 12 diabetic, , 8 associated with chronic ischemic ulcer( Buerger’s disease) , 2 atherosclerotic, 2 were traumatic and 1 was malignant in nature. After appropriate diagnostic work up, they were successfully managed according to their aetiology either with conservative or surgical approach including some life style changes, and plastic surgery procedures. Chronic ulcer is a common condition amongst the adults and is cause of pain and social distress. This requires an appropriate diagnostic work up and timely management.