Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Fontaine classification
Pronunciation: fon-TAYN
A four-stage system for classifying peripheral arterial disease severity based on clinical presentation.
Full Definition
The Fontaine classification divides peripheral arterial disease into four stages: Stage I (asymptomatic), Stage IIa (mild claudication >200m walking), Stage IIb (moderate to severe claudication <200m), Stage III (rest pain), and Stage IV (necrosis or gangrene). Originally developed by René Fontaine, this system predates the more detailed Rutherford classification but remains in clinical use, particularly in European literature and for basic severity stratification.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize 'Fontaine' as it derives from a proper name. Use Roman numerals for stage designation.
In Context
- "The patient progressed from Fontaine Stage IIb to Stage III, developing rest pain over six months." — Clinical progression note
- "European studies often use Fontaine classification, while North American research typically employs Rutherford criteria." — Literature review
Also known as
Fontaine staging
Fontaine grading
Don't confuse with
Rutherford classification