Vascular Society Diabetic Foot Specialist Interest Group Collaborative

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the fastest growing health crises of our time. One of the major complications is diabetic foot ulcers, many of which fail to heal. Tenotomy – transection of tendon fibres – may help to redistribute pressure in the foot and therefore help ulcer healing and prevent recurrence. The aim of this survey was to explore the availability of pressure relieving adjuncts, including tenotomy, in diabetic foot services and interest in collaborating in further research studies. Methods: An online survey was performed of healthcare professionals involved in the management of diabetic foot ulcers to explore the multidisciplinary composition of diabetic foot services, offloading therapies available and interest in collaborating in further research. Results: The survey gained 168 responses from 10 countries. Most responders were orthopaedic surgeons (61.3%, 103/168). Of those who responded, 70.8% (119/168) had a dedicated diabetic foot clinic and 99 (58.9%) reported having an active tenotomy service. 73.8% (124/168) of responders wished to further collaborate and 82.1% (138/168) were willing to help involve their patients in a future trial. Conclusions: The results of this survey showed the variation in tenotomy practice and an appetite for collaborative research in this area. The Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland Diabetic Foot Specialist Interest Group will address these uncertainties through targeted collaborative research to investigate tenotomy as a potential clinical and cost-effective treatment in diabetic foot care.