Critical limb (threatening) ischaemia

Critical limb (leg) ischaemia is a surgical condition where the tissues that make up the leg (skin, nerves, muscles) are no longer receiving adequate blood flow to maintain their normal function even when at rest.

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Individuals often complain of a constant, disabling pain affecting their foot, calf and/or thigh, that has been present for a sustained period of time e.g. more than two weeks.  This is frequently accompanied by skin ulceration, blackening (gangrene) of the toes and/or foot, pins and needles, and infection resistant to antibiotics.

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The causes of critical limb ischaemia mirror those of intermittent claudication and are predominantly related to atherosclerotic (fatty deposits) plaque build-up within arteries: peripheral arterial disease.  Unlike intermittent claudication, critical limb ischaemia left untreated is associated with a high rate (>50%) of amputation over the following 12-month period, and therefore should be investigated and treated with appropriate urgency.

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The experts at Circulation Clinic are nationally recognised in limb salvage surgery to provide patients with a timely assessment and treatment plan maximising the chance of avoiding major amputation.