Which ABI value indicates a good chance at healing?

• A. 0.5
• B. 0.4
• C. 0.6
• D. 0.7

Answer: (A)

Ankle-Brachial Index reflects how well blood is reaching the lower leg and foot, which is a key factor in whether a wound can heal. In practice for healing potential, a threshold around 0.5 is used: when the ABI is at or above 0.5, there is enough arterial perfusion to support healing with proper wound care and offloading. Values below this suggest significantly reduced blood flow and a higher likelihood that healing will be impaired unless blood flow is improved through revascularization. Values above 0.5, such as 0.6 or 0.7, indicate even better perfusion and a greater chance of healing, but 0.5 is the point at which healing potential becomes reasonable. Keep in mind that in diabetics with calcified vessels, the ABI can be misleading, so toe pressures or vascular imaging may be needed for a complete assessment.