Treatment of Diabetic Foot Infections

Abstract

Thirteen percent of diabetic patients will develop a foot ulcer, often associated with infection, vascular disease and biomechanical changes. Limb salvage offers the potential to restore function but does not correct the underlying metabolic disturbance. We review the surgical approach to diabetic foot infections including debridement, skin grafts, local flaps and a variety of new technologies. A comprehensive multidisciplinary approach is beneficial to optimize outcomes. The full range of reconstructive options available to plastic surgeons may be used in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. This review has 5 figures, 2 tables, and 20 references. Key words: Diabetic Foot Infection (DFI), Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU), Diabetes Mellitus (DM), wound care, foot infection, bacterial infection, surgical management, neuropathy, surgery of the lower extremity, deformities