Hallux ulceration in diabetic patients

Long-Term Outcomes of Hallux Amputations at Various Anatomic Levels

Hallux amputations have long been performed for the definitive treatment of hallux osteomyelitis resulting from ulcerations. These amputations have been performed at various levels of the hallux. The aim of this study is to assess the long-term outcomes in patients with hallux amputations performed at these various levels and to determine whether there is an ideal anatomic level that would limit post-operative complications and need for revisional surgery. An Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved retrospective chart review of 148 feet with hallux amputations performed at various levels from July 1, 2013 to July 16, 2020 at an academic medical center was conducted. A 2-year minimum follow up was required for inclusion in the study. Incidence of re-ulceration, need for further amputation, healing of index procedure, and revascularization status were evaluated. Statistical analysis utilizing chi square analysis was performed to calculate p-values where <.05 was statistically significant. In this retrospective study with a minimum of 2-year follow-up, there was a tendency for amputations performed at the level of the head of the proximal phalanx (21%) to have a lower rate of reulceration (24%) followed by amputations performed at the level of the metatarsophalangeal joint and interphalangeal joints (36%). However, neither proved to be statistically significant.

Outcomes of Keller Gap Arthroplasty for Plantar Hallux Interphalangeal Joint Ulcers in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

Hallux ulcers are known for their recurrence and associated risk for future amputations. Traditional nonsurgical external offloading methods have poor compliance rates, and the data is sparse on surgical offloading of hallux ulcers. We performed this study to analyze the outcomes of Keller excision gap arthroplasty of the first metatarsophalangeal joint in patients with a neuropathic plantar hallux interphalangeal joint (IPJ) ulcer in patients with diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 105 diabetic patients with a plantar hallux IPJ ulcer who underwent a Keller excision gap arthroplasty between December 2014 and June 2020 was done. A total of 122 great toes had been operated upon for hallux IPJ ulcers. We studied the long-term wound healing rates from patient records and then did a prospective survey of the postreview period.

RESULTS

All the hallux IPJ ulcers healed well in the immediate postoperative period. Six patients reported a recurrence of the ulcer at the original site during a mean follow-up period of 30 months. For these 6 patients, the mean time to recurrence of ulcer after operation was 2.5 years.

CONCLUSION

At an average of 30 months, we found the Keller gap arthroplasty for treatment of noninfected and nonischemic diabetic foot hallux IPJ ulcers was associated with an ulcer recurrence rate of 5%.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, cohort study.

Management of diabetic ulcers of the dorsum of the foot and distal leg ulcers

Objective:

Diabetic foot ulceration of toes, forefoot and heel have been extensively studied; however, the dorsum of the foot and the distal leg have rarely been addressed. The objective of this study was to assess diabetic ulcers of the dorsum of the foot and of the distal leg (DUDFDLs) as primary sites, or extended lesions from other foot locations, with regard to possible causes, management and outcomes.

Method:

This was a retrospective study conducted in Jabir Abu Eliz Diabetic Centre (JADC) in Khartoum from January 2018 to August 2019. All patients with a primary DUDFDL, or one extending from a plantar or heel ulcer, were included.

Results:

A cohort of 102 patients with DUDFDLs were studied; 74 (72.5%) were male and 28 (27.5%) were female, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.6:1, and a mean age of 57±12 years. The ulcer was a primary DUDFDL in 38 patients and a secondary ulcer in 64 patients. The outcome in 38 patients with primary DUDFDL was healing without amputation in 26 cases (68.4%), amputation of toes in 12 cases (31.6%), and no major amputation or death. Of the 64 patients presenting with secondary DUDFDL extending from the plantar surface, there was extension to the dorsum of the foot through the forefoot ulcer in 54 patients and through the ankle joint to the distal leg in 10 patients. For the plantar ulcers extending to the dorsum, five cases healed without amputation (9.3%), minor amputation was necessary in 29 cases (53.7%), major amputation in 14 cases (25.9%) and six patients died (11.1%). For the distal leg ulcers with extension through the ankle joint, five healed without amputation and five required minor amputation.

Conclusion:

Primary DUDFDLs had a favourable outcome. Dorsum extension of diabetic foot ulcer from the plantar aspect of the foot carries a high risk for major limb amputation and death.

Conversion of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis to Interpositional Arthroplasty With Acellular Dermal Matrix for First Ray Ulceration: A Case Report

The purpose of this study is to report the outcome of the conversion of a first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis to an interpositional arthroplasty with an acellular dermal matrix for a chronic nonhealing first ray wound. To our knowledge, this is the first case report converting a first ray arthrodesis to an interpositional arthroplasty to heal a chronic ulceration. A 78-year-old female developed a chronic neuropathic ulceration under the first metatarsal head and hallux after a first MTP joint arthrodesis. The patient failed local wound care and underwent gastrocnemius recession, hallux interphalangeal joint fusion, and an interpositional arthroplasty with the use of an acellular dermal matrix. Bone tunnels were placed proximal to the metatarsal neck, where absorbable sutures affixed to the dermal matrix were passed from plantar to dorsal, and the graft was secured to the reamed metatarsal head and associated capsule. Postoperative radiographs revealed improved alignment of the first MTP joint. Complete reepithelialization of the plantar ulceration occurred within 2 weeks postoperatively. At the 16-month follow-up, the patient was ambulating without restriction and continued to be free of first ray ulceration and infection. This case study details the use of an acellular dermal matrix in an interpositional arthroplasty to offload a chronic nonhealing ulceration secondary to elevated first ray pressure associated with first MTP joint arthrodesis. The goal of this treatment is to reduce pain, heal the ulceration, and prevent its recurrence.

Foot ulcers associated with external trauma among people with diabetes: An integrative review of the origin of trauma and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Foot ulcers are common among people with diabetes. These ulcers are caused by a number of factors including trauma. To date, research findings on the origin of external trauma and the outcome of foot ulcers resulting from an external trauma have not been summarised.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the origin of external trauma that contribute to the development of foot ulcers among people with diabetes and the outcome of such ulcers.

DESIGN

An integrative review.

SETTINGS

Hospital/community.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with diabetes and foot ulcer.

METHOD

The Joanna Briggs framework was used to underpin this integrative review. Six different databases (CINAHL +, Medline, SCOPUS, Embase, ProQuest and Web of Science databases) were searched systematically to find research publications reporting traumas that contributed to foot ulcers sustained by people with diabetes. The search was limited to articles published in English. The search revealed 3193 articles that were filtered to 78 articles to be assessed at the full-text level and 45 articles were subsequently included. Quality appraisal was conducted independently by two reviewers, using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal tools. Data were extracted into a form developed for the purpose of this review. Narrative synthesis was used to manage the extracted verbatim details on the origin of external trauma contributing to foot ulcers and the outcomes.

RESULTS

The origins of external trauma were summarised into two domains and further specified into 16 categories. The identified traumas were mainly minor and originated within the home environment. The most commonly reported origins of external trauma were puncture wounds, ill-fitting shoes and self-care practices that caused foot ulcers. Twenty-seven studies reported outcomes following the development of an ulcer. Twenty-two studies reported amputation as an outcome and mortality was reported in 10 studies. It was not clear whether these outcomes were directly related to the foot ulcer or related to other diabetes-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of ulcers occurred in the home environment and were preventable in nature. The assessment of an individual's local context, particularly the home and actions to reduce risk is a priority. The extent of the risks related to external trauma need to be more widely communicated through clinical guidelines and training opportunities for frontline staff.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

The main origins of external foot trauma among people with diabetes were puncture wounds, ill-fitting footwear and self-care practices.

Importance of Sock Type in the Development of Foot Lesions on Low-Difficulty, Short Hikes

Background and objectives: Foot lesions can be developed during hiking because of external factors. This makes it important to study the effect of hiking equipment on lesion development. Materials and Methods: Technical and non-technical socks were given to 109 hikers to wear during a short hike. Participants were examined at three stages of the hike to determine the development of dermal, muscle and nail lesions, temperature and perimeter in various areas of each foot. Results: The percentage of hikers without injuries was significantly higher among those wearing technical socks (p-value < 0.001). Differences were also observed in mean foot temperature, which was higher in participants wearing technical socks (p-value < 0.001). Conclusion: The results indicate that even on a low-difficulty, short-term sport activity, it is advisable to wear technical socks to prevent lesion development and keep the foot temperature more stable. Sock type was identified as an external conditioning factor in lesion development.

Predictors of Diabetic Foot Reulceration beneath the Hallux

AIMS

To evaluate the factors that predict reulceration beneath the hallux in people with a history of diabetic foot ulceration.

METHODS

A prospective study conducted between January 2012 and December 2014 was performed in a diabetic foot unit to assess the risk factors associated with hallux reulceration. Sixty patients with diabetic neuropathy and a history of previous ulcer were consecutively included. Sociodemographic factors and comorbidities plus the biomechanical and radiographic factors were obtained. Follow-up on participants was conducted every month, and they wore offloading therapeutic footwear and custom-made insoles. Hallux reulceration during the follow-up period was assessed as the main outcome measure in the study.

RESULTS

Patients were followed up during 29 (14.2-64.4) months. Twenty-nine patients (52%) developed a new ulceration: 9 patients (31%) in the hallux and 20 (69%) in other locations. Functional hallux limitus (p = 0.005, 95% CI (2.097-73.128), HR 12.384) and increased body mass index (p = 0.044, 95% CI (1.003-1.272), HR 1.129) were associated with the hallux ulceration-free survival time in the multivariate Cox model.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity and the presence of functional hallux limitus increase the probability of developing hallux reulceration in patients with diabetic neuropathy and a history of ulcers.

Characteristics, prevalence, and outcomes of diabetic foot ulcers in Africa. A systemic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Among non-communicable diseases, diabetes represents a growing public health problem in Africa, where diabetes-related needs remain mostly unmet and the disabling features of foot are worsened by hygienic, cultural, and healthcare issues. We aimed to review clinical characteristics, prevalence, and outcomes of patients with diabetic foot ulcer in Africa.

METHODS

We searched the literature for cross-sectional and longitudinal studies reporting the characteristics of patients with diabetic foot in African countries, with a particular focus on ulcer prevalence, amputation rate, and mortality.

FINDINGS

Fifty-five full-text papers and ten abstracts were retrieved, reporting data from 19 African countries on 56,173 diabetic patients. According to the data collected, the overall prevalence of foot ulcers was 13% and increased over time, especially since 2001. Approximately 15% of patients with foot lesions underwent major amputation and 14.2% died during hospitalization. In patients with diabetic ulcers, insulin therapy was uncommon and neuropathy was the most common predisposing factor, but the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease correlated with amputation rates. Amputation and mortality decreased over time, probably as result of the implementation of screening programs in the last ten years. Mortality was directly related to previous amputation.

INTERPRETATION

The diabetic foot disease in Africa is a growing problem and is burden by high rate of in-hospital mortality. Educational interventions and screening programs including evaluation of the vascular status may play a crucial role to counter diabetic foot disease in Africa.

Primary wound closure of diabetic foot ulcers by debridement and stitching

OBJECTIVE

The role of stitching in healing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) has little attention, with few reports published on the technique. This study aimed to report on the role of stitching in healing of neuropathic DFUs.

METHOD

This comparative study was between patients with diabetes with neuropathic foot ulcers who had undergone wound stitching and those on conventional wound care. The study was carried in Jabir Abu Eliz Diabetic Center Khartoum (JADC) during between January 1 2011 and January 1 2013. All patients presented with neuropathic diabetic septic foot on the plantar aspect or extending up the leg were included. Initial surgical sharp debridement under intravenous broad spectrum antibiotics was performed and oral antibiotics were given 3 days later after the results of the bacterial culture were received. Regular wound debridement was performed with the aim of pairing the wound edges for stitching. Primary closure was performed when the wound was clean from any necrotic tissues and partial closure when the wound was still oozy to secure drainage and avoid splaying of the wound edges. All patients were using either crutches or wheel chair initially until any sepsis cleared and then proper off-loading by shoes purpose made in our centre.

RESULTS

A 160 patients with neuropathic DFUs that needed debridement and frequent dressing changes as outpatients were included. Both groups had the same tap water wound dressing either daily, every other day or every two days according to the wound progress. Absorbent dressings and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) were unavailable. Half of the patients (n=80) had debridement, frequent dressing change using tap water throughout the period of study (group 1) while the rest (n=80) in addition to wound debridement underwent stitching of their wounds (group 2). Complete healing was achieved in 46 patients in Group 1 (57.5%) compared with 19 patients (23%) in group 2 (p=0.001). The average number of dressings used was 19 in stitch group compared with 30 in the non-stitch group (p=0.000). The average duration of healing in stitch group was 2.9 months compared with 5.7 months in non-stitch group (p=0.000).

CONCLUSION

Stitching of neuropathic DFUs reduced the duration of wound healing and the frequency of wound dressing change.

Quantifying Dynamic Changes in Plantar Pressure Gradient in Diabetics with Peripheral Neuropathy

Diabetic foot ulcers remain one of the most serious complications of diabetes. Peak plantar pressure (PPP) and peak pressure gradient (PPG) during walking have been shown to be associated with the development of diabetic foot ulcers. To gain further insight into the mechanical etiology of diabetic foot ulcers, examination of the pressure gradient angle (PGA) has been recently proposed. The PGA quantifies directional variation or orientation of the pressure gradient during walking and provides a measure of whether pressure gradient patterns are concentrated or dispersed along the plantar surface. We hypothesized that diabetics at risk of foot ulceration would have smaller PGA in key plantar regions, suggesting less movement of the pressure gradient over time. A total of 27 participants were studied, including 19 diabetics with peripheral neuropathy and 8 non-diabetic control subjects. A foot pressure measurement system was used to measure plantar pressures during walking. PPP, PPG, and PGA were calculated for four foot regions – first toe (T1), first metatarsal head (M1), second metatarsal head (M2), and heel (HL). Consistent with prior studies, PPP and PPG were significantly larger in the diabetic group compared with non-diabetic controls in the T1 and M1 regions, but not M2 or HL. For example, PPP was 165% (P = 0.02) and PPG was 214% (P < 0.001) larger in T1. PGA was found to be significantly smaller in the diabetic group in T1 (46%, P = 0.04), suggesting a more concentrated pressure gradient pattern under the toe. The proposed PGA may improve our understanding of the role of pressure gradient on the risk of diabetic foot ulcers.

Diabetic neuropathic forefoot and heel ulcers: management, clinical presentation and outcomes

OBJECTIVE

The two most common sites for diabetic neuropathic foot ulcers are the forefoot and the heel. Each site has special characteristics that determines its course. The aim of this study is to compare clinical presentation, management and outcome of diabetic neuropathic forefoot ulcers to diabetic neuropathic heel ulcers.

METHOD

This was a prospective cross-sectional comparative study carried in Jabir Abu Eliz Diabetic Centre (JADC), Khartoum, Sudan. A hundred patients with neuropathic diabetic ulcer were included, half were forefoot ulcers and the other half were hindfoot ulcers, two patients were lost on follow-up from each group. Neuropathy was graded using 10g monofilament nylon. Patients with vascular ischaemia, ankle brachial index pressure (ABPI) <0.9 and >1.1 were excluded. Other patient's data included demographic, foot and ulcer characteristics, comorbidities and outcomes. Foot ulcers were categorised according to Wagner classification, site and size of ulcer and presence of infection. Comorbidities evaluated included hypertension, ischaemic heart disease and renal impairment. All patients received standard wound care and regular follow-up.

RESULTS

The age of the studied patients was 54.3 ± 11 years (mean ± standard deviation (SD 11)) and 52.9 ± 11 years for forefoot and heel ulcer respectively. The mean duration of diabetes was 12.4 ± 6 years for forefoot ulcers and 13.3 ± 7 years for heel ulcer. The mean duration of foot ulcer was 21 and 26 days for forefoot and heel respectively. Forefoot ulcers healed within 12 week in 45% of patients and by 20 weeks in 63%, while 35% of heel ulcers healed by 12 weeks and 54% healed by 20 weeks (p=0.058). Based on Wagner classification, healing was best in class 1 among both forefoot and heel ulcers, 22.4% and 12.2% respectively (p=0.003 for forefoot and 0.002 for heel). First and second metatarsal heads were the common site of forefoot ulcer. Heel ulcers >3cm dimension had longer duration of healing compared to forefoot ulcers at both 12 and 20 weeks (p<0.02).

CONCLUSION

Healing in diabetic neuropathic forefoot ulcer was better than heel ulcer, though not reaching statistically significant value. Wagner class 1 had the best healing among both ulcers and a heel ulcer >3cm had a significantly longer healing time.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Resection Arthroplasty for Resistant Ulcers Underlying the Hallux in Insensate Diabetics

BACKGROUND

Foot ulcers carry considerable morbidity in patients with peripheral neuropathy and frequently lead to foot amputation. The purpose of this study was to present our experience treating recalcitrant ulcers underlying the hallux interphalangeal joint in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM)-related neuropathy with a first metatarsophalangeal (MTPJ1) resection arthroplasty.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the computerized medical files of patients with diabetic neuropathy treated with a MTPJ1 resection arthroplasty. We performed 28 arthroplasties on 20 patients with a mean age of 59 years. The patients had a diagnosis of DM for a mean of 10.7 years. Of the ulcers, 26 were grade 1A ulcers, and 2 were grade 2A ulcers (University of Texas score); the ulcer's mean age was 5.4 months. The mean dorsiflexion of the hallux before surgery was 46 degrees.

RESULTS

The primary ulcer recovered in a mean of 3.1 weeks. Major complications (wound dehiscence and infection) occurred in 6 of 28 operations. Patients returned to normal activity 4 weeks after all procedures except in the 6 patients with dehiscence. In a subgroup of patients with follow-up longer than a year, the ulcer recurred after 4 of 18 arthroplasties (22%) between 3 and 12 months due to postoperative hallux rigidus. In the remaining 14 of 18 arthroplasties (78%), there was no recurrence during a mean follow-up of 26 months.

CONCLUSION

MTPJ1 resection arthroplasty may be considered in a patient with resistant plantar hallux ulcerations, even in the absence of hallux rigidus. As with all operations on neuropathic feet in patients with DM, the surgeon and the patient should be aware that there is a significant likelihood of complications, but most are treatable.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.

The skin landscape in diabetes mellitus. Focus on dermocosmetic management

Background

Some relationships are established between diabetes mellitus (DM) and a series of cutaneous disorders. Specific dermatoses are markers for undiagnosed DM. Other disorders represent supervening complications in an already treated DM patient.

Objective

To review the information about dermocosmetic care products and their appropriate use in the management and prevention of dermatoses related to DM.

Method

The peer-reviewed literature and empiric findings are covered. Owing to the limited clinical evidence available for the use of dermocosmetics, a review of the routine practices and common therapies in DM-related dermatoses was conducted.

Results

Some DM-related dermatoses (acanthosis nigricans, pigmented purpuric dermatosis) are markers of macrovascular complications. The same disorders and some others (xerosis, Dupuytren’s disease) have been found to be more frequently associated with microangiopathy. Other skin diseases (alopecia areata, vitiligo) were found to be markers of autoimmunity, particularly in type 1 DM. Unsurprisingly, using dermocosmetics and appropriate skin care has shown objective improvements of some DM-related dermatoses, such effects improve the quality of life. The most common skin manifestations of DM fall along continuum between “dry skin,” xerosis, and acquired ichthyosis, occurring predominately on the shins and feet. Dermocosmetic products improve the feeling of well-being for DM patients.

Incidence of repeat amputation after partial first ray amputation associated with diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy: an 11-year review

The reliability and durability of partial first ray amputation in patients with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy has recently been questioned. In an effort to determine the repeat amputation rate after a partial first ray amputation associated with diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy at our institution, we performed an 11-year retrospective review. A total of 59 patients (40 males and 19 females), with a mean age of 63 (range 39 to 97) years, were included. The mean follow-up was 33.8 (range 1 to 123) months, with initial incision healing occurring in all 59 patients. Despite the initial healing, 69% developed a mean of 3.1 subsequent foot ulcerations at a mean of 10.5 months, 36% required ancillary surgical procedures, and more than 90% of patients were prescribed multiple courses of antibiotics at a mean of 26.6 clinic visits during the follow-up period. A total of 25 patients (42.4%) underwent more proximal repeat amputation at a mean of 25 (range 1 to 97) months after the initial partial first ray amputation. The results of our retrospective review revealed that nearly 1 of every 2 patients with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy who undergo a partial first ray amputation will progress to a more proximal repeat amputation, despite initial healing. These data question the reliability and durability of this level of amputation as a primary procedure in this patient population. A more proximal level amputation, such as a balanced transmetatarsal, might provide a better functional and reliable residual weightbearing foot and should be considered at the initial presentation. This is especially true given that nearly one half of the patients died during the follow-up period. However, this remains a matter for conjecture because of the limited data available; therefore, additional prospective investigations are warranted.

Influence of osteomyelitis location in the foot of diabetic patients with transtibial amputation

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the prevalence of osteomyelitis in different areas of the foot and the possible correlation between localization and outcome of major amputation.

METHODS

From January 2008 to December 2010, a total of 350 diabetic patients were admitted to our diabetic foot unit for the surgical treatment of osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis was diagnosed when both the probe-to-bone maneuver and plain radiography were positive. In all of these patients, osteomyelitis was confirmed by histological examination.

RESULTS

Osteomyelitis was localized to the forefoot in 300 (85.7%) patients, to the midfoot in 27 (7.7%) patients, and to the hindfoot in the remaining 23 (6.75) patients. On average, foot lesions had developed 6.6 ± 5.6 months before admission to our unit. Transtibial amputation was performed in 1 (0.33%) patient with forefoot osteomyelitis, in 5 (18.5%) patients with midfoot osteomyelitis, and in 12 (52.2%) patients with osteomyelitis of the heel (χ(2) = 128.4, P < .001). Multivariate analysis showed the independent role that osteomyelitis in the heel region had in major amputation outcome (odds ratio 15.3; P < .001; confidence interval, 17.4-5336.0), dialysis treatment (odds ratio 6.3; P = .012; confidence interval, 2.5-1667.2), and leukocyte count greater than 10(3) mm(3) (odds ratio 2.25; P = .036; confidence interval, 1.1-76.6).

CONCLUSIONS

We found a higher rate of transtibial amputation when osteomyelitis involved the heel instead of the midfoot or forefoot in diabetic patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Diabetic foot infections with osteomyelitis: efficacy of combined surgical and medical treatment

Diabetic foot infections are a high risk for lower extremity amputation in patients with dense peripheral neuropathy and/or peripheral vascular disease. When they present with concomitant osteomyelitis, it poses a great challenge to the surgical and medical teams with continuing debates regarding the treatment strategy. A cohort prospective study conducted between October 2005 and October 2010 included 330 diabetic patients with osteomyelitis mainly involving the forefoot (study group) and 1,808 patients without foot osteomyelitis (control group). Diagnosis of osteomyelitis was based on probing to bone test with bone cultures for microbiological studies and/or repeated plain radiographic findings. Surgical treatment included debridement, sequestrectomy, resections of metatarsal and digital bones, or toe amputation. Antibiotics were started as empirical and modified according to the final culture and sensitivities for all patients. Patients were followed for at least 1 year after wound healing. The mean age of the study group was 56.7 years (SD = 11.4) compared to the control group of 56.3 years (SD = 12.1), while the male to female ratio was 3:1. At initial presentation, 82.1% (n=271) of the study group had an ulcer penetrating the bone or joint level. The most common pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus (33.3%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (32.2%), and Escherichia coli (22.2%) with an almost similar pattern in the control group. In the study group, wound healing occurred in less than 6 months in 73% of patients compared to 89.9% in the control group. In the study group, 52 patients (15.8%) had a major lower extremity amputation versus 61 in the control group (3.4%) (P=0.001). During the postoperative follow-up visits, 12.1% of patients in each group developed wound recurrence. In conclusion, combined surgical and medical treatment for diabetic foot osteomyelitis can achieve acceptable limb salvage rate and also reduce the duration of time to healing along with the duration of antibiotic treatment and wound recurrence rate.

Incidence of re-amputation following partial first ray amputation associated with diabetes mellitus and peripheral sensory neuropathy: a systematic review

Diabetes mellitus with peripheral sensory neuropathy frequently results in forefoot ulceration. Ulceration at the first ray level tends to be recalcitrant to local wound care modalities and off-loading techniques. If healing does occur, ulcer recurrence is common. When infection develops, partial first ray amputation in an effort to preserve maximum foot length is often performed. However, the survivorship of partial first ray amputations in this patient population and associated re-amputation rate remain unknown. Therefore, in an effort to determine the actual re-amputation rate following any form of partial first ray amputation in patients with diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy, the authors conducted a systematic review. Only studies involving any form of partial first ray amputation associated with diabetes mellitus and peripheral sensory neuropathy but without critical limb ischemia were included. Our search yielded a total of 24 references with 5 (20.8%) meeting our inclusion criteria involving 435 partial first ray amputations. The weighted mean age of patients was 59 years and the weighted mean follow-up was 26 months. The initial amputation level included the proximal phalanx base 167 (38.4%) times; first metatarsal head resection 96 (22.1%) times; first metatarsal-phalangeal joint disarticulation 53 (12.2%) times; first metatarsal mid-shaft 39 (9%) times; hallux fillet flap 32 (7.4%) times; first metatarsal base 29 (6.7%) times; and partial hallux 19 (4.4%) times. The incidence of re-amputation was 19.8% (86/435). The end stage, most proximal level, following re-amputation was an additional digit 32 (37.2%) times; transmetatarsal 28 (32.6%) times; below-knee 25 (29.1%) times; and LisFranc 1 (1.2%) time. The results of our systematic review reveal that one out of every five patients undergoing any version of a partial first ray amputation will eventually require more proximal re-amputation. These results reveal that partial first ray amputation for patients with diabetes and peripheral sensory neuropathy may not represent a durable, functional, or predictable foot-sparing amputation and that a more proximal amputation, such as a balanced transmetatarsal amputation, as the index amputation may be more beneficial to the patient. However, this remains a matter for conjecture due to the limited data available and, therefore, additional prospective investigations are warranted.

Interventions for wound healing among diabetic patients infected with Staphylococcus aureus: a systematic review

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE

Staphylococcus aureus is the most frequent agent isolated in diabetic foot infections and may be associated with changes to wound healing times. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature, including studies that assessed the efficacy of any clinical or surgical intervention, as well as oral or topical therapy for diabetic ulcers infected with S. aureus.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Systematic review with a search conducted in databases.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review with a comprehensive search in the Lilacs, SciELO, PubMed/Medline, Old Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library databases, for articles published from 1966 to 2010. The articles selected were limited to studies on diabetic patients with wounds infected with S. aureus for whom their healing was followed up, with the use of either antibiotics or experimental treatments. Animal studies and those that did not report the wound healing, as well as review articles, were excluded.

RESULTS

Five studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were analyzed.

CONCLUSIONS

There are few studies reporting the healing of wounds infected with S. aureus in diabetic patients, although this is the most commonly found pathogen in this type of wound and it frequently consists of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). There is insufficient evidence to support early use of broad-spectrum antibiotics against MRSA to promote healing of diabetic ulcers, since antibiotic resistance may develop from such treatment. This highlights the need for further studies on the subject.