This article presents the use of digital image processing using hue, saturation, and intensity measurements as a technique for the color analysis of chronic wounds on the skin. An adaptive spline technique was used to segment the wound boundary in the images of venous leg ulcers. This technique was further used to approximate the position of venous leg ulcers. The amount of slough within the wound site was quantified using the software developed and was compared with a grading system based on visual inspection by an experienced clinician, and the results were compared by deriving Kappa (K) statistic. There was moderate agreement over all grades between the computer and clinician. At lower grades 1 and 2, there was excellent agreement. The results from this preliminary study suggest that this analytical technique has the potential to image process chronic skin wounds.

Blood flow is believed to be a key parameter in the formation and management of lower limb wounds. Patients with venous leg ulcers (VLUs) have high venous pressures, due to the partial or complete failure of calf muscle pump, which in turn disturbs the local blood flow within the lower limb. Compression has currently been the mainstay for treatment of VLUs and is thought to restore valvular competence and reduce or suppress superficial and deep venous reflux. Efficacy and assessment of compression therapy can be understood in a better way by measuring blood flow in lower limbs. Publications applicable to the effects of compression on lower limb blood flow parameters are summarised. However, they have shown varying results due to the different methodology and assessment techniques used. This article seeks to explore the methods of assessment of blood flow in the lower limb associated with wound management and compression in particular and provides suggestions for future explorations.

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