Leg ulcer epidemiology in Gothenburg.

Patients with ulcers on the legs and feet due to vascular disorders in Gothenburg 1980 were selected for this retrospective survey of medical records. 1377 patients were found, of whom 61% were women. The median age of the women was 76 years and of the men 70 years. The ulcers were located on the feet only in 30% of the patients and on the medial sides of the ankles only in 17%. A total of 7074 outpatient visits were made. The total treatment time for the ulcer inpatients was 19947 days (nursing home patients excluded). The prevalence was estimated of 0.32% (0.2-0.4%) in the whole population. The number of patients with leg and foot ulcers increased with age. 4-5% of the population in the age interval over 80 years of age sought medical advice for their ulcers.