The Economic Impact of Hard-to-Heal Leg Ulcers

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the evidence on the outcomes from the use of
\ncompression bandaging in treating venous leg ulcers. It shows that after two years about 20% of ulcers
\nwill not heal despite being treated with high compression. The paper then reviews the evidence on risk
\nfactors for non-healing venous leg ulcers and compares continuing treatment costs with the cost of
\nsecond-line therapies. It highlights the need for health professionals to raise their awareness of effective
\noptions for improved treatment for hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers.