We relied largely on our own files to prepare this review. We accumulated these by weekly searches of Current Contents, which provides tables of contents of almost all medical publications published worldwide. Our files are arranged into categories, and the category of venous ulcer crosses many of these designations. Searches for evidence based information about venous disorders are often disappointing, but we used at least level 2 information whenever possible, tempered by our own experience. Diagnosis and treatment of venous disorders commands greater interest, and level 1 information is starting to appear, including treatment of venous thromboembolic disorders. This heralds better care of patients with venous problems. (Level 1 information means findings from large prospective randomised studies with definite conclusions that should be considered when managing any patient with the specified problem; level 2 information means findings from …