Efficient estimation of ulcer and wound area by point counting

Aim: Presentation of a method which allows a rapid and efficient estimation of the size of ulcers and wounds in clinical practice. Method: Based on th e principle of point counting, a transparent square lattice grid is pieced over the ulcer. Since one crossover-point of such square lattice grid might be regarded as representative of the area of one square, for area estimati on ii suffices to count the number of points on the ulcer and multiply this figure by one square area. The accuracy of this method depends on the size of the squares, as well as on the complexity of the area to be estimated. This point-counting principle is independent from the form of the ulcer, it might be used on bended surfaces such as leg ulcers. intermediate steps su ch as outlining the circumference of the ulcer onto a foil are unnecessary The foils used for daily work are copied onto overhead foil from a square l attice grid on white paper. To avoid contamination of this foil, a thin tra nsparent household-foil used for wrapping goods are placed directly onto th e ulcer. Conclusions: With the old point counting principle it is possible to estimate the area of leg ulcers and wounds during daily work efficiently and with considerable precision. Thus, this method might contribute to qua lity management in phlebology.