The Fontaine classification of peripheral arterial disease — Stage IIb is characterized by:
- A Claudication at less than 200 metres walking distance ✓
- B Asymptomatic peripheral artery disease
- C Rest pain
- D Tissue necrosis or gangrene
Correct answer: A. Claudication at less than 200 metres walking distance
Explanation
Fontaine classification: Stage I — asymptomatic PAD; Stage IIa — claudication >200 m; Stage IIb — claudication <200 m (severe claudication); Stage III — rest pain; Stage IV — tissue loss/gangrene. Stages III and IV together constitute critical limb ischaemia (CLI). The Rutherford classification is the alternative modern grading system with similar clinical categories but uses a 7-point scale (categories 0-6).
Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
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