The British journal of surgery
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Claudication distance is the commonest measure of the disability caused by lower-limb occlusive arterial disease. The accuracy of claudication distance as a surrogate for handicap has been assessed. ⋯ Claudication distance is spuriously estimated, inaccurately reported, falsely recorded, inappropriately measured and usually misinterpreted. It is of little value in judging the need for treatment. Objective measures of the handicap caused by the disability of reduced walking distance are required if rational management decisions are to be made.