What grades of the Wagner Ulcer indicate skin integrity?

The Wagner ulcer classification system is used primarily to assess the severity of diabetic foot ulcers and to help guide treatment. In this system, Grade 0 indicates that the skin is intact, meaning there are no ulcers present and the integrity of the skin is maintained. A Grade 0 ulcer reflects normal skin integrity and is often used as a baseline for monitoring patients at risk for developing foot ulcers.

Grades within the Wagner classification progressively indicate more severe skin breakdown, with higher grades denoting deeper and more complicated wounds, such as those involving subcutaneous tissue, muscle, or bone. Grades 1 through 3 involve varying degrees of ulceration and tissue loss, indicating that skin integrity has been compromised. Therefore, Grade 0 is the only classification that signifies intact skin, reinforcing the importance of regular foot assessments for those at risk of ulceration.