Heel Ulcer Puzzle: Which Test to Skip?

A patient has a non-healing heel ulcer for 2 years. Learn the key differential diagnoses and why one common diagnostic test is often the least useful choice.

Wound culture


Which one of the following choices would be the least useful diagnostic test for this heel ulcer of 2 years’ duration?

What is the most likely diagnosis?

Hemoglobin A1c
Skin biopsy
Duplex ultrasound of the lower extremity
Wound culture
Ankle-brachial index

Chronic Ulcer, Differential Diagnosis, Heel Ulcer, Marjolin’s Ulcer, Wound culture

Leave a Comment