What measurement is used to determine wound healing potential and anticipated amputation level?

• A. Doppler ultrasound velocity
• B. Transcutaneous oximetry (tcPO2)
• C. Ankle-brachial index
• D. Pulse oximetry on the finger

Answer: (B)

Tissue oxygen tension at the wound site is the key factor in predicting healing potential. Transcutaneous oximetry measures the partial pressure of oxygen in the skin (tcPO2) with a heated sensor, giving a direct readout of how well oxygen is delivering to the wound area. This local oxygen availability correlates with the tissue’s ability to heal and guides decisions about limb salvage versus amputation level. Higher tcPO2 values indicate better healing potential and a greater likelihood that the wound can heal with appropriate revascularization, while very low values suggest poor healing and may push the plan toward a more proximal amputation. Other options assess systemic oxygenation (pulse oximetry on the finger) or overall limb perfusion (Doppler velocity, ABI) but do not directly quantify the wound’s healing environment like tcPO2 does.