The diabetic foot--state of the art from the orthopedic point of view
Schaefer, D.
Praxis 88(27-28): 1196-1199
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 1661-8157 PMID: 10444999 Document Number: 501908
A 15-30% rate of amputation of diabetic feet suggests that efforts have to be directed towards improvement of preventive measure including instruction of patients and relatives concerning foot wear. So called foot rules have been established. If surgery is indicated, an angiological and neurological assessment should be performed preoperatively. An ulcer should undergo debridement, plantar pressure release with a full contact cast and antibiotic therapy, if infected. The goal of treatment of Charcot's disease is prevention of deformity. Usually orthoses are sufficient, in irreducible deformities an arthrodesis should be considered. There is no doubt that the interdisciplinary approach improves the treatment of the diabetic foot.