Rutherford Classification of Peripheral Arterial Disease
Standard staging system for chronic lower-extremity ischaemia (Rutherford 1997). Categories 0–6 from asymptomatic to major tissue loss. Used alongside ABPI and Fontaine to guide intervention timing per ESVS 2024 and NICE CG147.
Score interpretation
→ Risk-factor optimisation: smoking cessation, statin, antiplatelet, BP and glycaemic control; supervised exercise if subclinical PAD. Annual review.
→ Best medical therapy + supervised exercise programme (NICE CG147). Consider revascularisation (endovascular first) if lifestyle-limiting after 3 months of optimised therapy.
→ Urgent vascular referral. ABPI/TBI, duplex, CTA. Revascularisation (endo or open) within 2 weeks per ESVS; analgesia, pressure-area care, antibiotics if infected ulcer. Consider WIfI staging and amputation MDT if unsalvageable.
Interpretation bands for the Rutherford PAD. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Naftidrofuryl Oxalate · 5-HT2 Receptor Antagonist — Peripheral Arterial Disease (Intermittent Claudication)
- Alteplase (Peripheral Arterial / DVT Use) · Thrombolytic — Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis / Peripheral Arterial Occlusion
- Amlodipine · Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blocker — Raynaud's / Peripheral Vascular Disease / Hypertension
- Streptokinase · Thrombolytic — Peripheral Arterial Occlusion / DVT (Historical)
- Selexipag · Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
- Macitentan · Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.