Studying the impact of the cost-effective Suvidha off-loading dressing in healing neuropathic ulcers in diabetic foot: a case series of 83 cases from South India

Abstract

Neuropathic ulcers pose a global burden carrying a risk of amputation of 15-46 times especially in developing countries. These ulcers are mainly managed with offloading techniques. In this study we share our experience of using an easy to use, cost effective method the Suvidha offloading dressings in terms of its acceptability and effectiveness in managing these cases. A prospective case series of 83 patients with mean age 58 years, managed with Suvidha offloading dressing in our institution from 2016 till 2019, excluding patients with ABI less than 0.4 and Wagner 4 and 5. They were reviewed after 6 months/SOS. Ulcer measured 1×1 to 4×4 cm, was present most commonly in the mid foot and least commonly in the lateral aspect of the foot. 53 cases were Wagner grade 2 and 9 cases Wagner grade 3. Forty cases were initially infected, 29 cases had a deformed foot, 5 cases needed interval wound debridement. The duration of ulcer healing was 2 weeks for 1×1 cm great toe ulcer, to 12 weeks for the 4×4 cm mid foot ulcer. All 83 patients were followed up for 6 months. 5 ulcers recurred. The patient satisfaction was measured by a 5-points Likert scale with a mean value of 17.4 out of 20. The Suvidha offloading footwear is a cost effective, easily replicable and efficient dressing requiring only the readily available dressing materials, with good healing rates, good patient satisfaction and adapted for developing countries. The results are comparable with other methods of offloading practiced worldwide.