Lower limb ulcers (LLU) are a common manifestation of long-standing vascular disease and may be exacerbated by trauma or dependency.

Ulcers can be grouped according to the underlying aetiology with approximately 76% due to venous disease, 22% due to arterial and 5% occurring as a complication of diabetes. In up to 20% of patients there is some crossover where a mixed picture is present.