Pre- and post-surgical evaluation of the impact on Hansen disease sequealae patients' quality of life submitted to orthopedic surgery for closure of chronic plantar ulcers.

INTRODUCTION: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that still persists as a public health problem in Brazil. Plantar ulcers are serious complications due to leprosy neuropathy and intensify the isolation and stigma of these individuals. The difficulty in closing these lesions associated with the fetid odor negatively impact the quality of life of people with these lesions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical, socioeconomic conditions, degree of satisfaction and quality of life (QoL) of patients after healing of chronic ulcers on feet submitted to orthopedic surgery. METHODOLOGY: This is a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and observational study carried out with 92 people after surgical treatment of chronic leprosy plantar ulcers. These patients were submitted to a semi-structured questionnaire raising questions of an epidemiological, socioeconomic and perception of quality-of-life order, comparing before and after the surgical procedure. RESULTS: Decrease in indicators - alcohol consumption, tobacco consumption, average monthly cost of analgesic medications, fetid wound odor, foot pain and number of dressings performed weekly; Recurrence of lesions in 55.4 % of cases, related to irregular use or lack of shoes and insoles; Improvement in self-perception of Quality of Life (QoL) in 89.1 % of patients after surgery. CONCLUSION: Orthopedic surgical treatment with resection of plantar bony prominences and skin grafting is an effective therapeutic method for closing chronic plantar ulcers in leprosy, resulting in a decrease in the financial costs employed and in an important improvement in the Quality-of-Life parameters of the individuals undergoing to this procedure. The availability and regular use of shoes and insoles is crucial to prevent recurrence of these injuries.

Prevalence of plantar ulcer and its risk factors in leprosy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Plantar ulcers are a leading complication of leprosy that requires frequent visits to hospital and is associated with stigma. The extent of burden of ulcers in leprosy and its risk factors are scant impeding the development of targeted interventions to prevent and promote healing of ulcers. The aim of this review is to generate evidence on the prevalence of plantar ulcer and its risk factors in leprosy. METHODS: Databases (Medline, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, BVS), conference abstracts and reference lists were searched for eligible studies. Studies were included that reported a point prevalence of plantar ulcer and/or its "risk factors" associated with development of ulcers (either causatively or predictively), including individual level, disease related and bio-mechanical factors. We followed PRISMA guidelines for this review. Random-effects meta-analysis was undertaken to estimate the pooled point prevalence of ulcers. Reported risk factors in included studies were narratively synthesised. This review is registered in PROSPERO: CRD42022316726. RESULTS: Overall, 15 studies (8 for prevalence of ulcer and 7 for risk factors) met the inclusion criteria. The pooled point prevalence of ulcer was 34% (95% CIs: 21%, 46%) and 7% (95% CIs: 4%, 11%) among those with foot anaesthesia and among all people affected by leprosy, respectively. Risk factors for developing ulcers included: unable to feel 10 g of monofilament on sensory testing, pronated/hyper-pronated foot, foot with peak plantar pressure, foot with severe deformities, and those with lower education and the unemployed. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of plantar ulceration in leprosy is as high as 34% among those with loss of sensation in the feet. However, the incidence and recurrence rates of ulceration are least reported. The inability to feel 10 g of monofilament appears to be a strong predictor of those at risk of developing ulcers. However, there is a paucity of evidence on identifying those at risk of developing plantar ulcers in leprosy. Prospective studies are needed to estimate the incidence of ulcers. Identifying individuals at risk of ulcers will help design targeted interventions to minimize risk factors, prevent ulcers and promote ulcer healing.

An integrated personalized assistive devices approach to reduce the risk of foot ulcer recurrence in diabetes (DIASSIST): study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Preventing foot ulcers in people with diabetes can increase quality of life and reduce costs. Despite the availability of various interventions to prevent foot ulcers, recurrence rates remain high. We hypothesize that a multimodal treatment approach incorporating various footwear, self-management, and education interventions that matches an individual person's needs can reduce the risk of ulcer recurrence with beneficial cost-utility. The aim of this study is to assess the effect on foot ulcer recurrence, footwear adherence, and cost-utility of an integrated personalized assistive devices approach in high-risk people with diabetes. METHODS: In a parallel-group multicenter randomized controlled trial, 126 adult participants with diabetes mellitus type 1 or 2, loss of protective sensation based on the presence of peripheral neuropathy, a healed plantar foot ulcer in the preceding 4 years, and possession of any type of custom-made footwear will be included. Participants will be randomly assigned to either enhanced therapy or usual care. Enhanced therapy consists of usual care and additionally a personalized treatment approach including pressure-optimized custom-made footwear, pressure-optimized custom-made footwear for indoor use, at-home daily foot temperature monitoring, and structured education, which includes motivational interviewing and personalized feedback on adherence and self-care. Participants will be followed for 12 months. Assessments include barefoot and in-shoe plantar pressure measurements; questionnaires concerning quality of life, costs, disease, and self-care knowledge; physical activity and footwear use monitoring; and clinical monitoring for foot ulcer outcomes. The study is powered for 3 primary outcomes: foot ulcer recurrence, footwear adherence, and cost-utility, the primary clinical, patient-related, and health-economic outcome respectively. DISCUSSION: This is the first study to integrate multiple interventions for ulcer prevention into a personalized state-of-the-art treatment approach and assess their combined efficacy in a randomized controlled trial in people with diabetes at high ulcer risk. Proven effectiveness, usability, and cost-utility will facilitate implementation in healthcare, improve the quality of life of high-risk people with diabetes, and reduce treatment costs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05236660. Registered on 11 February 2022.

Patient Perspectives on the Burden and Prevention of Diabetes-Related Foot Disease.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to understand patient perspectives about the impact and prevention of diabetes-related foot disease (DFD). METHODS: An online survey was distributed to patients with a history of DFD during 2020. The survey was designed alongside clinical specialists and DFD patients and utilized the health belief model. It asked about the impact of DFD on health, perceptions on preventive strategies, perceived need for additional support, and patient preferences for telehealth in DFD management. Quantitative data were summarized descriptively and compared between groups. Open-text responses were analyzed using conceptual content analysis. RESULTS: Of 80 participants with a history of DFD, foot ulcers were the complication most often experienced, with over two-thirds having been admitted to hospital for a DFD-related issue and over one-third having a DFD-related amputation. Participants had ranging perceptions on the effect of DFD on health, from minimal to crippling. Those with previous severe DFD complications leading to hospital admission found a lack of mobility and independence the consequences of most concern. Using offloading footwear was perceived as very important for preventing DFD complications, although the use of offloading footwear was low, with participants citing issues relating to cost, comfort, appearance, and access to footwear as barriers to better adherence. Perceptions on telehealth were mixed, with many participants not having access to or being comfortable with the use of digital technologies. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with DFD require additional supports for effective prevention, including offloading footwear.

Footwear and insole design parameters to prevent occurrence and recurrence of neuropathic plantar forefoot ulcers in patients with diabetes: a series of N-of-1 trial study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Foot complications occur in conjunction with poorly controlled diabetes. Plantar forefoot ulceration contributes to partial amputation in unstable diabetics, and the risk increases with concomitant neuropathy. Reducing peak plantar forefoot pressure reduces ulcer occurrence and recurrence. Footwear and insoles are used to offload the neuropathic foot, but the success of offloading is dependent on patient adherence. This study aims to determine which design and modification features of footwear and insoles improve forefoot plantar pressure offloading and adherence in people with diabetes and neuropathy. METHODS: This study, involving a series of N-of-1 trials, included 21 participants who had a history of neuropathic plantar forefoot ulcers. Participants were recruited from two public hospitals and one private podiatry clinic in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. This trial is non-randomised and unblinded. Participants will be recruited from three sites, including two high-risk foot services and a private podiatry clinic in Sydney, Australia. Mobilemat™ and F-Scan® plantar pressure mapping systems by TekScan® (Boston, USA) will be used to measure barefoot and in-shoe plantar pressures. Participants' self-reports will be used to quantify the wearing period over a certain period of between 2 and 4 weeks during the trial. Participant preference toward footwear, insole design and quality-of-life-related information will be collected and analysed. The descriptive and inferential statistical analyses will be performed using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 27). And the software NVivo (version 12) will be utilised for the qualitative data analysis. DISCUSSION: This is the first trial assessing footwear and insole interventions in people with diabetes by using a series of N-of-1 trials. Reporting self-declared wearing periods and participants' preferences on footwear style and aesthetics are the important approaches for this trial. Patient-centric device designs are the key to therapeutic outcomes, and this study is designed with that strategy in mind. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12620000699965p. Registered on June 23, 2020.

Con E de enfermera... Unidad de pie diabético / With E for nurse... Diabetic foot unit

En el 2015, el Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz (Madrid) creó la Unidad de Pie Diabético, un servicio en el que el cirujano vascular, el podólogo y las enfermeras van de la mano para prevenir las úlceras de los pies del paciente con diabetes y agilizar el diagnóstico temprano y el posible tratamiento. María Araujo Blesa, enfermera de esta unidad, nos explica cómo funciona y cómo trabajan para ayudar a los pacientes con diabetes, una enfermedad considerada como una pandemia creciente.(AU)

Biomechanical and musculoskeletal changes after flexor tenotomy to reduce the risk of diabetic neuropathic toe ulcer recurrence.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of flexor tenotomy in patients with diabetes on barefoot plantar pressure, toe joint angles and ulcer recurrence during patient follow-up. METHODS: Patients with a history of ulceration on the toe apex were included. They underwent minimally invasive needle flexor tenotomy by an experienced musculoskeletal surgeon. Dynamic barefoot plantar pressure measurements and static weight-bearing radiographs were taken before and 2-4 weeks after the procedure. RESULTS: A total of 14 patients underwent flexor tenotomy on 50 toes in 19 feet. There was a mean follow-up time of 11.4 months. No ulcer recurrence occurred during follow-up. Mean barefoot plantar pressure was assessed on 34 toes and decreased significantly after the procedure by a mean 279 kPa (95% CI: 204-353; p < 0.001). Metatarsophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joint angles were assessed on nine toes and all decreased significantly (by 7° [95% CI: 4-9; p < 0.001], 19° [95% CI: 11-26; p < 0.001] and 28° [95% CI: 13-44; p = 0.003], respectively). CONCLUSION: These observations show a beneficial effect of flexor tenotomy on biomechanical and musculoskeletal outcomes in the toes, without ulcer recurrence.

Efeito da termometria na prevenção de úlceras de pé diabético: revisão sistemática com metanálise / Effect of thermometry on the prevention of diabetic foot ulcers: a systematic review with meta-analysis* / Efecto de la termometría en la prevención de las úlceras del pie diabético: revisión sistemática con metaanálisis

Resumo Objetivo: analisar o efeito da termometria podálica cutânea em pessoas com diabetes mellitus, comparado com prevenção padrão de úlceras podálicas adotada nesses pacientes. Método: revisão sistemática com metanálise. Protocolo registrado na PROSPERO (CRD42020202686). Foram seguidas as recomendações do Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Busca realizada nas fontes de dados: SCOPUS, Web of Science, MEDLINE via PubMed, MEDLINE via EBSCO, MEDLINE via Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, LILACS via Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Google Scholar, Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações, Catálogo de Teses & Dissertações-Capes, Open Grey e ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. O risco de viés foi avaliado pela Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool (RoB 2), a metanálise no software Review Manager 5.4 e a Certeza da evidência no sistema Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Resultados: dos 670 registros, cinco artigos eram elegíveis. A metanálise foi calculada para o desfecho prevenção da incidência de úlceras de pé diabético, com sumarização de efeito (RR 0,53; IC95% 0,29, 0,96; p=0,02), com certeza da evidência moderada. Conclusão: a termometria mostrou efeito protetor na incidência de úlceras de pé diabético, se comparada ao cuidado podálico padrão.

Abstract Objective: to analyze the effect of cutaneous foot thermometry in people with Diabetes Mellitus, compared with the standard prevention of foot ulcers adopted in these patients. Method: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Protocol registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020202686). The recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were followed. The search was performed in the following data sources: SCOPUS, Web of Science, MEDLINE via PubMed, MEDLINE via EBSCO, MEDLINE via Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, LILACS via Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Google Scholar, Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações, Catálogo de Teses & Dissertações-Capes, Open Grey and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. The risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool (RoB 2), the meta-analysis was performed in the Review Manager 5.4 software and the Certainty of evidence in the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Results: of the 670 records, five articles were eligible. The meta-analysis was calculated for the prevention of the incidence of diabetic foot ulcers outcome, with effect summarization (RR 0.53; 95%CI 0.29-0.96; p=0.02), with certainty of moderate evidence. Conclusion: thermometry showed a protective effect on the incidence of diabetic foot ulcers when compared to standard foot care.

Resumen Objetivo: analizar el efecto de la termometría cutánea del pie en personas con diabetes mellitus, en comparación con la prevención estándar de las úlceras del pie adoptada en estos pacientes. Método: revisión sistemática con metaanálisis. Protocolo registrado en PROSPERO (CRD42020202686). Se siguieron las recomendaciones de Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). La búsqueda se realizó en las fuentes de datos: SCOPUS, Web of Science, MEDLINE a través de PubMed, MEDLINE a través de EBSCO, MEDLINE a través de la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, LILACS a través de la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud, Google Scholar, Biblioteca Digital Brasileña de Tesis y Disertaciones, Catálogo de Tesis y Disertaciones-Capes, Open Grey y ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. El riesgo de sesgo se evaluó mediante la Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool (RoB 2), el metaanálisis se realizó con el software Review Manager 5.4 y la certeza de la evidencia se evaluó mediante el sistema Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Resultados: de los 670 registros, cinco artículos fueron elegibles. El metaanálisis se calculó para el resultado prevención de la incidencia de úlceras del pie diabético, con sumarización del efecto (RR 0,53; IC95% 0,29, 0,96; p=0,02), con certeza de evidencia moderada. Conclusión: la termometría mostró un efecto protector sobre la incidencia de úlceras del pie diabético en comparación con el cuidado estándar del pie.

Eficácia e eficiência das palmilhas na prevenção e reabilitação de ulceras plantares em pés neuropaticos na hanseníase e diabetes / Efficacy and efficiency of insoles in the prevention and rehabilitation of plantar ulcers in neuropathic feet in leprosy and diabetes

As neuropatias periféricas causadas pela hanseníase e diabetes podem causar perda de sensibilidade protetora, trofismo muscular e função autonômica da pele, e consequentemente deformidades em pés e desequilíbrios biomecânicos e da distribuição da pressão, gerando alto risco de desenvolvimento de úlceras plantares. Um dos meios para prevenir é o uso de palmilhas customizadas associadas ou não ao uso de calçados ortopédicos. O objetivo dessa revisão foi verificar a eficácia, eficiência das palmilhas na prevenção e reabilitação de úlceras plantares e conhecer novidades acerca do design e do material. Foram realizadas pesquisas nas plataformas PUBMED, LILACS, EMBASE e Cochrane e foram incluídos todos os modelos de artigos, livros, monografias, no total foram encontrados 17 estudos. Apesar das palmilhas serem eficazes no alívio de pressão plantar e na diminuição da incidência das ulceras plantares, neste estudo foi encontrado poucas evidências sobre inovações e durabilidade das palmilhas que levassem em conta o custo benefício e sua efetividade.

Effect of foot-ankle flexibility and resistance exercise in the secondary prevention of plantar foot diabetic ulcer.

AIMS: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of foot-ankle flexibility and resistance exercises on the recurrence rate of plantar foot diabetic ulcers, HbA1c levels, diabetic neuropathy examination (DNE) scores, ankle brachial index (ABI), and walking speed within 12 and 24weeks. METHODS: We conducted a double-blind randomized clinical trial. Fifty patients with recently healed plantar foot diabetic ulcers were randomized to an intervention group that performed foot-ankle flexibility and resistance exercise three times a week in their home (n=25) or a control group (n=25). Both groups were given foot care education. Outcomes were assessed at plantar foot diabetic ulcer recurrence or at 12 and 24weeks whichever came first. Outcome measures included plantar foot diabetic ulcer recurrence, changes of HbA1c levels, DNE scores, ankle brachial index ABI, and walking speed. RESULTS: There were significant difference between groups in ulcer recurrence at either 12weeks (intervention 8%, control 68%, RR 0.288; 95% CI 0.156-0.534, P=0.000) within 12weeks. or 24weeks (intervention 16%, control 72%, RR 0.222; 95% CI 0.088-0.564, P=0.000).). There were significant differences in the DNE score delta (P=0.000) and walking speed delta (P=0.000), but there were no significant differences in the HbA1c delta and ABI delta between groups at either 12 or 24weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Foot-ankle flexibility and resistance exercises can reduce the recurrence of plantar foot diabetic ulcer incidence and improve diabetic neuropathy and walking speed. Clinical trial number: NCT04624516.

Effectiveness of customized insoles on maximum plantar pressure in diabetic foot syndrome: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Diabetic foot syndrome is a severe complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Increased maximum plantar pressure is a strong predictor that may be detrimental and cause a plantar ulcer. This present systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of customized insoles on reducing maximum plantar pressure in diabetic foot syndrome. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review (PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL, Pedro, Scopus) to summarize the evidence on the customized insole on maximum plantar pressure in diabetic foot syndrome. Randomized and non-randomized studies were included in the review. The quality of the included studies was assessed independently by the two review authors with the Modified Downs and Black checklist for the assessment of the methodological quality of both randomized and non-randomized studies. RESULTS: A total of 1512 studies screened. After the exclusion criteria, 5 studies were included in the study. The outcome measure that was considered is maximum plantar pressure and pressure-time integral. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that the practice of customized insoles could significantly reduce maximum plantar pressure. While developing an insole, parameters like contoured insoles with shape and pressure based, weight-bearing position, and duration with good adherence to footwear application can significantly reduce maximum plantar pressure.

The effect of oral hydrotherapy on risk reduction of diabetic feet ulcer among people with type-2 diabetes mellitus

Diabetic feet ulcer is four times more likely to be found in patients who suffer from diabetes mellitus than in those who don't. Diabetic feet ulcer is one of chronic complications of diabetes mellitus which causes defects even deaths. Diabetes mellitus in one of the ten most frequent diseases in Indonesia. According to Riskesdas (Riset Kesehatan Dasar - Basic Health Research), the increment number of patients with diabetes mellitus from 2007 up to 2013 is 330,512.1 The research is aimed to find out the effect of oral hydrotherapy on risk reduction of diabetic feet ulcer in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus. The research was done by applying quasi-experimental design (pre-test and post-test design with control group). By total population sampling, there were 68 respondents who participated. About 34 of the respondents were in experimental group at Dr. Soediran Mangun Sumarso of Wonogiri, and 34 respondents were patients who had check-ups at RS PKU Muhammadiyah of Surakarta. The research result shows that oral hydrotherapy can minimize risk reduction of diabetic feet ulcer in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus significantly with p-value of 000.0 (α=0.005)

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Preventing foot ulceration in diabetes: systematic review and meta-analyses of RCT data.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Foot ulceration is a serious complication for people with diabetes that results in high levels of morbidity for individuals and significant costs for health and social care systems. Nineteen systematic reviews of preventative interventions have been published, but none provides a reliable numerical summary of treatment effects. The aim of this study was to systematically review the evidence from RCTs and, where possible, conduct meta-analyses to make the best possible use of the currently available data. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs of preventative interventions for foot ulceration. OVID MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched to February 2019 and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to October 2018. RCTs of interventions to prevent foot ulcers in people with diabetes who were free from foot ulceration at trial entry were included. Two independent reviewers read the full-text articles and extracted data. The quality of trial reporting was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The primary outcome of foot ulceration was summarised using pooled relative risks in meta-analyses. RESULTS: Twenty-two RCTs of eight interventions were eligible for analysis. One trial of digital silicone devices (RR 0.07 [95% CI 0.01, 0.55]) and meta-analyses of dermal infrared thermometry (RR 0.41 [95% CI 0.19, 0.86]), complex interventions (RR 0.59 [95% CI 0.38, 0.90], and custom-made footwear and offloading insoles (RR 0.53 [95% CI 0.33, 0.85]) showed beneficial effects for these interventions. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Four interventions were identified as being effective in preventing foot ulcers in people with diabetes, but uncertainty remains about what works and who is most likely to benefit.

The Effect of Percutaneous Flexor Tenotomy on Healing and Prevention of Foot Ulcers in Patients With Claw Deformity of the Toe.

Claw deformity of the foot is frequently seen in patients with diabetes mellitus. Percutaneous flexor tenotomy is a simple surgical procedure for the treatment of foot ulcers on the distal end of the toe caused by this deformity. This procedure can also be performed to prevent ulcers in claw toes that are at risk of ulceration. The aim of this study is to investigate whether percutaneous flexor tenotomy is an effective surgical method for treatment and prevention of toe ulcers in patients with claw deformity. This retrospective study, with a median follow-up of 13.4 (1 to 66.7) months, included all consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous flexor tenotomy in 2 hospitals between July 2012 and April 2017. In total, 101 feet underwent flexor tenotomy: 84 (83.3%) therapeutic and 17 (16.7%) prophylactic. Of the 84 therapeutic procedures, 95.1% healed, with a median healing time of 27 days. In 11 (13.3%) therapeutic procedures, a reulceration was recorded. In the therapeutic group, 4 (4.8%) infections and 1 (1.2%) amputation of the digit occurred. In the 17 prophylactic procedures, local bleeding was recorded in 1 (5.9%). In the prophylactic group, 2 ulcers occurred. In 77 (76.2%) of all procedures, patients had diabetes mellitus. In conclusion, percutaneous flexor tenotomy is an effective, safe, and minimally invasive procedure for the treatment and prevention of toe ulcers in patients with claw deformity.

Uso de la clasificación de riesgo para pie diabético según la IWGDF en centros de salud con bajos recursos / Use of risk classification for diabetic foot according to IWGDF in low-income health facilities

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Influence of Patient Setting and Dedicated Limb Salvage Efforts on Outcomes in Charcot-Related Foot Ulcer.

Charcot neuroarthropathy is a devastating consequence of diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy. Because of its rarity, the condition is often misdiagnosed or poorly managed. When misadventure occurs, patients with Charcot neuroarthropathy can suffer ulceration, infection, amputation, and death. When patients have Charcot-related foot ulcers, the risks are amplified. Utilizing advanced electronic medical record analysis, a 30-month investigation was undertaken to determine if patients with diabetes mellitus and a concomitant diagnosis of Charcot-related foot ulcer were at greater risk of complications because of location setting of initial treatment for their condition. Charcot foot-related ulcers that are diagnosed in the outpatient setting had established foot specialist care. The outpatient management of the condition lead to a significant reduction in the amount of admissions to a higher acuity setting. However, patient outcomes did not vary once established and dedicated limb salvage efforts were employed. In this large contemporary population managed in a tertiary health system, patients with Charcot-related foot ulcer had negative outcomes when they were initially treated in an inpatient setting and had a significantly greater likelihood of readmission as compared with individuals who had established focused limb salvage care.

Evaluation of orthotic insoles for people with diabetes who are at-risk of first ulceration.

OBJECTIVE: This study focussed on pressure relieving orthotic insoles designed for retail footwear and people with diabetes and at risk of first forefoot ulceration. The aim was to investigate whether the pressure relieving effects of a customised metatarsal bar and forefoot cushioning are sensitive to bar location and shape, and material choice. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Patient-specific foot shape was used to design an orthotic insole, with metatarsal bar location and shape customised according to plantar pressure data. Changes in forefoot plantar pressure were investigated when 60 people with diabetes and neuropathy walked in nine variants of the orthotic insole. These comprised three variations in proximal/distal location of the customised metatarsal bar and three different metatarsal head offloading materials. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS: The most frequent reductions in pressure occurred when the anterior edge of the metatarsal bar was placed at 77% of the peak pressure values, and its effects were independent of the choice of EVA or Poron offloading material. In the flat insole, 61% of participants had one or more metatarsal head areas with pressure above the 200 KPa, reducing to 58% when adopting generic orthotic design rules and 51% when using the best orthotic insole of the nine tested. Our results confirm that plantar pressure relief is sensitive to orthotic insole design decisions and individual patient feet.

Importancia de predecir y tomar medidas para evitar la úlcera plantar en el paciente diabético / Importance of predicting and taking measures to avoid foot ulcer in diabetic patients

La prevención ha sido un objetivo perenne en la formación de los angiólogos y cirujanos vasculares cubanos. El lograr predecir y prevenir en las úlceras en los pacientes diabéticos, es un añorado éxito. En este texto, se hace una revisión conceptual de algunos aspectos relativos al tema, y a la vez recientes observaciones de investigadores, que nos dejan ver todas las nuevas posibilidades existentes de investigación en derredor de la prevención de la úlcera en el pie del paciente diabético(AU)

Prevention has been a perennial objective in the training of Cuban vascular surgeons and angiologists. Predicting and preventing ulcers in diabetic patients is a desired success. In this text, a conceptual review of some aspects related to this subject is made, and at the same time of recent observations of researchers, which allow us to see all the new possibilities of research on the prevention of foot ulcer in diabetic patients(AU)