Abstract
Background Plantar calluses are often associated with increased plantar pressure and foot pain, which can have a detrimental impact on the mobility and independence of an older person. Scalpel debridement is a key management strategy for painful calluses; however the effectiveness of this treatment in older people has not been rigorously investigated. The aim of this randomised trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of scalpel debridement in reducing plantar pressure and pain associated with forefoot plantar calluses. Materials and methods Eighty participants aged 65 years and older with painful forefoot plantar calluses were recruited. Participants were randomly allocated to one of two groups: (i) normal scalpel debridement or (ii) sham (control) scalpel debridement. Participants were followed for six weeks. Both participants and assessors were blinded to the intervention. The primary outcomes measured were the difference between groups in pain (100 mm VAS) and barefoot plantar pressure (MatScan ® System).
Highlights
Plantar calluses are often associated with increased plantar pressure and foot pain, which can have a detrimental impact on the mobility and independence of an older person
Scalpel debridement is a key management strategy for painful calluses; the effectiveness of this treatment in older people has not been rigorously investigated. The aim of this randomised trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of scalpel debridement in reducing plantar pressure and pain associated with forefoot plantar calluses
There were no statistically significant differences in plantar pressure between the two groups at any time-points. The findings of this trial indicate that scalpel debridement of painful plantar calluses has minimal effect
Summary
Scalpel debridement has minimal effects on painful plantar calluses in older people: a randomised trial. Karl B Landorf1,2*, Adam Morrow, Martin J Spink, Chelsey L Nash, Anna Novak, Adam R Bird, Julia Potter, Hylton B Menz. From 3rd Congress of the International Foot and Ankle Biomechanics Community Sydney, Australia. From 3rd Congress of the International Foot and Ankle Biomechanics Community Sydney, Australia. 11-13 April 2012
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
