In Fontaine classification of peripheral arterial disease, which stage corresponds to ischaemic rest pain?
- A Stage I
- B Stage IIa
- C Stage III ✓
- D Stage IV
Correct answer: C. Stage III
Explanation
Fontaine classification: Stage I — asymptomatic; Stage IIa — intermittent claudication with walking distance >200 m; Stage IIb — claudication <200 m; Stage III — ischaemic rest pain; Stage IV — tissue loss (ulceration/gangrene). Stages III and IV together constitute critical limb ischaemia (CLI) or chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI). Stage III is distinguished from IIb by rest pain, typically in the forefoot and digits, worsened by elevation and relieved by dependency.
Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
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