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Objective: To assess the improvement in the management of diabetes and its complications based on the evolution of hospitalisation rates for diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) and lower extremity amputation (LEA) in individuals with diabetes in France. Methods: Data were provided by the French national health insurance general scheme from 2008 to 2014. Hospitalisations for DFU and LEA were extracted from the SNIIRAM/SNDS French medical and administrative database. Results: In 2014, 22,347 hospitalisations for DFU and 8,342 hospitalisations for LEA in patients with diabetes were recorded. Between 2008 and 2014, the standardised rate of hospitalisation for DFU raised from 508 to 701/100,000 patients with diabetes. In the same period, the standardised rate of LEA decreased from 301 to 262/100,000 patients with diabetes. The level of amputation tended to become more distal. The proportion of men (69% versus 73%) and the frequency of revascularization procedures (39% versus 46%) increased. In 2013, the one-year mortality rate was 23% after hospitalisation for DFU and 26% after hospitalisation for LEA. Conclusions: For the first time in France, the incidence of a serious complication of diabetes, i.e. amputations, has decreased in relation with a marked improvement in hospital management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The study was designed to analyze and predict the diabetic foot ulcer outcome in terms of either healing or progression to amputation in patients presenting with diabetic foot. Study Design: Cross Sectional study. Setting: POF Hospital Wah Cantt. Period: January 2017 to December 2017. Material & Methods: Demographics of patients along with duration of diabetic foot ulcer and its grade according to Wagner classification were recorded. Nonprobability consecutive sampling was done for the data collection. Management of ulcer was carried out with debridement, daily dressings and appropriate antibiotic. Patients were followed over period until ulcer healed completely or amputation performed. The outcome of diabetic foot ulcer was noted to complete the study. Results: One hundred patients with mean age were 54.24±3.65 years. Mean duration of diabetic ulcer was 17.61±4.6 days. All patients with grade I ulcer recovered completely without the need of amputation. Out of 25 patients with grade II ulcers 13 (52%) patients recovered without amputation while 12 (48%) patients had minor amputation. Similarly 16 patients presenting with grade III ulcers 12 (75%) had minor amputation while 4 (25%) underwent major amputation. Out of 18 patients with grade IV ulcers, 6 (33%) had minor amputation while 12 (67%) had major amputation. All 13 patients with grade V ulcer underwent major amputation. Relation of grades of ulcer with respect to level of amputation inside the grading classification of ulcer showed significant (p=0.01). Conclusion: Healing of the diabetic foot ulcer with preservation of limb function must be a goal of treating diabetic foot. Wagner classification of diabetic foot ulcer high grade is associated with increased risk along with high level of foot amputation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frailty has been shown to portend worse outcomes in surgical patients. Our goal was to identify the impact of frailty on outcomes and resource utilization among patients undergoing minor lower extremity amputation in the United States. Using the Nationwide Readmission Database, we identified all adults undergoing a minor amputation between 2010 and 2015, and assessed 90-day outcomes, including readmission, reamputation, mortality, and cumulative hospitalization costs. Frailty was defined by International Classification of Diseases codes consistent with the ten frailty clusters as defined by the Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Group System. Multivariable regression models were developed for risk adjustment. An estimated 302 798 patients (mean age = 61.8 years) were identified, of which 15.2% were categorized as Frail. Before adjustment, frailty was associated with increased rates of readmission (44% vs. 36%, P < .001) and in-hospital mortality (4% vs. 2%, P < .001). Frailty was also associated with increased cumulative costs of care ($39 417 vs. $27 244, P < .001). After risk adjustment, frailty remained an independent predictor of readmission (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.18, CI 1.14-1.23), in-hospital mortality (AOR 1.48, CI 1.34-1.65), and incremental costs (+$7 646, CI $6927-$8365). Frailty is an independent marker of worse outcomes following minor foot amputation, and may be utilized to direct quality improvement efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: In this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of amputation level on reamputation rates and need for additional surgeries in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Material and Methods: Patients who were amputated at the foot and ankle level for diabetic foot ulcers between 2010 and 2019 at our institution were retrospectively evaluated. Amputation types (proximal to distal; Syme, Boyd, Chopart, Lisfranc, Transmetatarsal), previous amputations, need for additional surgeries and reamputations were noted. The effect of amputation level on reamputation and reoperation rates was statistically evaluated. Results: Thirty-one patients (27 male, 4 female) with mean age of 65 years (range 45-84) were included. Reamputation rates for Syme, Boyd, Chopart, Lisfranc and Transmetatarsal (TMA) amputations were 50%, 55%, 50%, 66% and 75% respectively. Fifty percent of the cases in the Syme group, 78% in the Boyd group, 75% in the Chopart group, 83% in the Lisfranc group and 75% in the TMA group required repeating surgeries. There was no significant difference in terms of reamputation and reoperation rates between amputation levels. Conclusion: If the level of amputation is determined based on viability of the skin flap that would be required for soft tissue cover and confirmed intraoperatively by inspecting the perfusion of the stump, the amputation level does not have influence on reamputation rates at the foot and ankle. When performing this irreversible procedure, the patient must be well informed about the possible functional outcomes, prosthesis options and reamputation rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neuropathic foot in diabetic patients constitutes a special clinical entity that needs particular care and ministration. A burn on such a foot requires special care and attention in order to avoid amputation, especially when the burn is a deep partial or a full-thickness burn. The indication for early excision and coverage of a diabetic foot is taken under consideration in clinical practice. An 80-year-old male diabetic patient with deep partial and full-thickness burns on both his feet after a long hot footbath is presented. Even though feet appearance indicated the need for amputation of both feet, we performed gradual surgical debridement and primary coverage with human skin allografts. Both feet were finally covered with partial thickness skin grafts. Considering age, general condition and severity of the burn injuries, the final results were very satisfactory. We believe that the gamma-radiated allograft is another useful adjunct to the reconstructive armamentarium of the surgeon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. Diabetic foot is the term for the pathological changes on foot in patients with diabetes. It is caused by diabetic angiopathy, polyneuropathy and osteoarthropathy. The treatment is complex and long-term and often leads to the loss of the extremity. The appliance of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has a lot more important place in adjuvant treatment of this disease. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of HBOT on the wound healing in comparison with the conventional treatment, the possibility of shortening the time of the treatment in patients with diabetic foot. Methods. In a fiveyear period a retrospective-prospective multicentric study, involving 60 patients with diabetic foot divided into two groups, was performed. The first group (group A) consisted of 30 patients treated by combined therapy (with medications, surgical therapy and HBOT). All the patients were receiving HBOT in the Special Hospital for Hyperbaric Medicine, CHM Hollywell-Neopren in Belgrade. The control group (group B) also consisted of 30 patients treated with medications and surgical therapy, but without HBOT. Results. The demographic data, the types of diabetes, as well as the Wagner classification stage of diabetic ulcers and radiography scans of changes in bones were equal in both groups. The median healing time of the Wagner grade III ulcer in the group A was 37.36 days [mean ± standard deviation (SD) = 65.6 ± 45.8 days], and in the group B 99.78 days (mean ± SD = 134.8 ± 105.96 days) and it was statistically significant (p = 0.074). The median time of recovery in patients of the group A with the Wagner grade IV was 48.18 days (mean ± SD = 49.7 ± 33.8 days), and in the group B 85.05 days (mean ± SD = 86.7 ± 71.6 days) and that was statistically significant (p = 0.121). The foot amputations were performed in both groups in 3 (10%) patients. In the group A there were no high amputations, whereas in the group B there were 4 (13.33%) below-knee amputations and 4 (13.33%) above-knee amputations which was highly statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Conclusion. In this study, HBOT definitely showed positive adjuvant role in the treatment of diabetic foot. For the good treatment result it is essential the timely and successful surgical treatment of the ulcer and the use of bandage with the healing dressings. In case of the clear signs of local infection, the antibiotic therapy according to the antibiogram is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This report describes a rare case of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in a 10‐year‐old Shetland pony. The pony was presented for evaluation of a chronic, ulcerating mass of the foot associated with a nonweightbearing lameness of the right forelimb. Foot radiographs revealed an aggressive bone lesion with severe osteolysis of the distal phalanx. Amputation of the digit was performed under general anaesthesia at the level of the metacarpophalangeal joint using a palmar flap technique and a transfixation cast for protection of the stump. Avascular necrosis, infection and dehiscence of the stump occurred 3 weeks later and a second amputation was performed at the level of the proximal third of the third metacarpal bone. Histopathology revealed a squamous cell carcinoma. After healing of the stump, a prosthesis was fitted to the limb for improved ambulation of the pony. Two years after the amputation, telephone follow‐up with the referring veterinarian and the owner, revealed that the pony was healthy and able to go out daily in a paddock with its prosthesis. SCC represents an unusual indication for limb amputation. Successful outcome is rarely reported in horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgery for acute and chronic diabetic foot problems has long been an integral component of care. While partial foot amputations remain as important diabetic limb-salvaging operations, foot-sparing reconstructive procedures have become equally important strategies to preserve the functional anatomy of the foot while addressing infection, chronic deformities, and ulcerations. A classification of types of diabetic foot surgery is discussed in accordance with the soft tissue status and acuity of the presenting foot problem. This brief overview from the Association for Diabetic Foot Surgeons describes common conditions best treated by surgical interventions, as well as specific indications. While techniques and indications continue to evolve, effective surgical management of the diabetic foot remains an integral component of care as well as for the prevention of recurrent ulceration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of our study was to estimate the overall rate of first hospitalizations for diabetic foot (DF) regardless of the outcome in amputations, as well as the mortality rate with their determinants in the period 2012–2016 in Piedmont Region in Italy. Methods: The study included all the subjects registered in the Regional Diabetes Registry and alive as at January 1, 2012. DF cases were identified by record linkage with the regional hospital discharge database. Incident cases of diabetic foot were followed up for mortality. Results: The 5-year rates were 1762, 324, and 343 × 100,000 patients for first hospitalization without amputations, with major amputations, and with minor amputations, respectively. Patients not undergoing amputations were more than 70% of the cohort. Patients with the more severe stages of diabetes and those with low education were at higher risk of each type of hospitalization. The risk of death during a mean follow-up of 2.5 years was about 16, 18, and 30% among patients without amputations, with major amputations, and with minor amputations, respectively. Males, insulin-treated patients, those affected with severe diabetes complications, particularly on dialysis, and those with lower levels of education were at higher risk. Conclusions: The heavier burden of DF on hospitalizations is due to cases without amputation, a condition that is seldom considered in the diabetes literature. The severity of diabetes, preexisting complications, and low educational levels are associated with both first hospitalization and subsequent survival at any level of severity of DF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of lower limb preservation with symptoms of critical ischemia, resulting in necrosis of the distal foot portion, remains open. These cases require solving few tactical questions, such as the primary revascularization method, limb-preserving amputation, stimulation of regeneration, and finally, determining the criteria for auto-dermal transplantation. We analyzed 29 patient cases with critical lower limb ischemia of fourth grade, according to the Fontaine classification (or the sixth category according to Rutherford's classification), who underwent partial foot amputation due to dry gangrene and were threated using PRGF®-ENDORET® platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin technology. The control group was comprised of 21 patients who received traditional postoperative wound treatment. All patients went through a combination of transluminal revascularization and platelet-rich plasma to create a "therapeutic" neoangiogenic effect. Indications for these procedures were severe distal arterial occlusion and stenosis. Using transluminal procedures with platelet-rich plasma therapy improves the blood perfusion to the distal portions of the limb in patients with critical ischemia in a short time, which is an informative diagnostic criterion for wound healing after amputation. Plasmatic membranes create an optimal environment for tissue regeneration, thus reducing the wound closure time using an auto-dermal transplant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective Diabetic Charcot foot (DCF) can cause gross structural deformities of the foot and ankle. The main objective of this study was to identify complications of DCF and its associated factors. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study. Data on medical background, previous DCF treatment and complications were obtained. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to measure factors related to various complications of DCF. Results Ninety-eight patient records were retrieved. Of the 83 patients who were still alive, 75.9% (n = 63) had recurrent ulcers, 53.0% (n = 44) had undergone foot surgery and 45.8% (n = 38) had undergone amputation. Patients with a history of recurrent ulcers have the highest predilection to amputation (odds ratio: 8.5; 95% confidence interval: 1.8, 39.1). Discussion In terms of DCF complications, foot ulcers are an independent predictor of recurrent foot ulcers, foot surgery and amputation. Regular foot assessment of patients with DCF to prevent ulcers is strongly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CAD/CAM workflow to reproduce socket-foot alignment for running specific prostheses. • It avoids the use of adapted transfer devices, not designed for sport applications. • This method allows performing fine-tuning adjustments to the socket-foot alignment. • The main steps of this CAD/CAM method are scanning, mesh editing and fabrication. A well-fitting socket and a fine-tuned foot alignment are crucial elements in a running-specific prosthesis to allow Paralympic athletes with below-knee amputation to express their full competitive potential. For this reason, once a satisfactory socket-foot configuration is established after dynamic alignment, it is fundamental to reproduce the same conditions when constructing the definitive carbon fiber socket, and when renewing or constructing a back-up prosthesis, without dismantling the original. In addition, to cope with emerging needs of the athlete, it would be beneficial to implement fine-tuning adjustments of the alignment in a very controlled manner. At present, this requires elaborate bench procedures, which tend to be expensive, time consuming, prone to manual errors, cumbersome in use and most often require damaging or disposing of the current socket. In this study, we propose an original CAD/CAM workflow that allows replicating the desired socket-foot configuration for below-knee sprinting prostheses, as well as performing socket adaptations and introducing fine-tuning adjustments to the alignments. The workflow is exemplified with reference to two case studies involving elite Paralympic runners with transtibial and partial foot amputations, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when plaque builds up inside the arteries of the legs. Keywords: amputation; peripheral artery disease (PAD); racial disparities EN amputation peripheral artery disease (PAD) racial disparities 255 256 2 06/13/23 20230601 NES 230601 What is peripheral artery disease (PAD) and who is at risk? There are also researchers who are partnering with patients who have PAD to find ways to improve PAD outcomes for everyone. [Extracted from the article]

In a cohort of patients with diabetic foot osteomyelitis who were recommended to undergo below-knee amputation, those who deferred amputation and chose medical therapy were more likely to die during the follow-up time compared with those who proceeded with amputation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is an opportunistic pathogen that causes a wide range of diseases. Dissemination of perioral infections is a common problem in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. The aim of the study was to evaluate S. aureus carriage in the oral cavity and its dissemination to different cervicofacial regions. Clinical case 1 is a patient with a systemic history of type I diabetes which led to foot amputation one year previou sly, who presented alteration of ocular motility and the culture showed Grampositive cocci compatible with S. aureus. The patient was discharged after eight days of antibiotic therapy and drainage. Clinical case 2 was a young female without any comorbidities who had never been hospitalized before or even exposed to the hospital environment. The presence of lesions compatible with necrotizing fasciitis (NF) in the lower lip mucosal region, rapid evolution of the infection to deep planes, and evolution of the clinical picture alerted health-care providers to the need for prompt care. Clinical case 3 was an immunosuppressed patient with cellulitis which is a bacterial infection of the skin and soft tissues that occurs when the physical barrier of the skin and soft tissues, the immune system, and/or the circulatory system are affected. S. aureus is an opportunistic pathogen which causes a wide range of diseases. It inhabits the oral cavity, from where it can spread to distant cervicofacial regions. This is why it is important for health-care professionals to be aware of this niche in case of dissemination in order to provide prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In patients with diabetes, foot amputations among Black patients have been historically higher compared with White patients. Using the National Inpatient Sample database, we sought to determine if disparities in foot amputations and resource utilization have improved over time. We hypothesized there would be improvements and reduced differences in foot amputations between the two races as quality of care and access to healthcare has improved. Methods and findings: Patients over 18 years old with a principal diagnosis of diabetic foot complications and secondary diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus were selected. We compared the primary outcome of foot amputations between Black and White patients. Adjusted rates, odds ratios (aOR) and trends of foot amputations among Black and White patients were studied. Healthcare utilization was measured via length of hospital stay (LOS). Of 262,924 patients, 18% were Black. Following adjustment for confounders, major foot amputations decreased among Whites (1.5% in 2003 to 1.1% in 2014) and Blacks (2.1% in 2003 to 0.9% in 2014). On pooled analysis, Black patients had higher adjusted odds of major foot amputations in 2003–2004 [aOR 1.7; (1.16–2.57), p<0.01]. Disparities in major foot amputations disappeared in 2013–2014 [aOR: 0.92 (0.58–1.44), p = 0.70]. Black patients had declining but persistently longer LOS (adjusted mean difference (aMD): 1.1 days (0.52–1.6) p<0.01 in 2003–2004 and 0.46 days (0.18–0.73) p<0.01 in 2013–2014). The main limitation of the study was that the NIS uses ICD-9 and ICD-10 CM codes, and hence prone to incorrect or missing codes. Conclusions: Major foot amputations declined among Black and White patients hospitalized with Diabetic foot complications between 2003 and 2014. The observed difference for amputations in 2003–2004 was absent by 2013–2014. Future research to determine specific contributors for this reduction in health disparities is needed for ongoing improvements and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic ulcers can lead to infection and amputation. Using insole can help to reduce and prevent foot ulceration and amputation in a diabetic patient. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of wearing an insole with different density on standing and walking plantar pressure distribution. Methods: A group of 10 diabetic patients participated in this one-grouped before-after trial. Plantar pressure distribution was measured during walking and standing. Repeated Measure was used to test differences. Results: Repeated measure test showed that use of insole decreased foot pressure while walking significantly (P = 0. 0 2 3). Pairwise comparison showed that wearing shoe insole with shore 30 decreased pressure compared to wearing shoe insole with shore 50 (P = 0. 0 0 4) and walking without insole respectively (P = 0. 0 6). Conclusion: The insole has more effect on plantar pressure during walking than standing, it also concluded that insole with shore 30 decreased pressure during walking more than that of the insole with shore 50. It could be said that patients who suffer from pain and discomfort on hind and forefoot may benefit insole with shore 30 to relieve from plantar pressure on the hindfoot and forefoot regions during standing and walking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few studies have investigated if people at risk of foot ulceration actually wear the footwear recommended by best practice guidelines to prevent foot ulceration. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of, and factors associated with, wearing inadequate outdoor footwear in those with diabetes or peripheral neuropathy in an inpatient population. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of a multi-site cross-sectional study investigating foot conditions in a large representative inpatient population admitted into hospital for any medical reason on one day. A range of explanatory variables were collected from all participants including sociodemographic, medical and foot condition factors. The outcome variable for this study was the self-reported outdoor footwear type worn most by participants outside the house in the year prior to hospitalisation. The self-reported footwear type was then categorised into adequate and inadequate according to footwear features recommended in guidelines for populations at risk of foot ulceration. Logistic regression identified factors independently associated with inadequate footwear in all inpatient participants, and diabetes and neuropathy subgroups. Results: Overall, 47% of a total of 726 inpatients wore inadequate outdoor footwear; 49% of the 171 in the diabetes subgroup and 43% of 159 in the neuropathy subgroup. Wearing inadequate outdoor footwear was independently associated (Odds Ratio (95% Confidence Interval)) with being female in the diabetes (2.7 (1.4–5.2)) and neuropathy subgroups (3.7 (1.8–7.9)) and being female (5.1 (3.7–7.1)), having critical peripheral arterial disease (2.5 (1.1–5.9)) and an amputation (0.3 (0.1–0.7)) in all inpatients (all, p<0.05). Conclusions: Almost half of all inpatients at risk of foot ulceration reported wearing outdoor footwear most of the time that did not meet recommendations for prevention. We found women were much more likely to wear inadequate footwear. More work needs to be done to increase the uptake of footwear recommendations in these populations to prevent foot ulceration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the disparities in the outcomes of White, African American (AA) and non-AA minority (Hispanics and Native Americans (NA)), patients admitted in the hospitals with diabetic foot infections (DFIs). Research design and methods: The HCUP-Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2002 to 2015) was queried to identify patients who were admitted to the hospital for management of DFI using ICD-9 codes. Outcomes evaluated included minor and major amputations, open or endovascular revascularization, and hospital length of stay (LOS). Incidence for amputation and open or endovascular revascularization were evaluated over the study period. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to assess the association between race/ethnicity and outcomes. Results: There were 150,701 admissions for DFI, including 98,361 Whites, 24,583 AAs, 24,472 Hispanics, and 1,654 Native Americans (NAs) in the study cohort. Overall, 45,278 (30%) underwent a minor amputation, 9,039 (6%) underwent a major amputation, 3,151 underwent an open bypass, and 8,689 had an endovascular procedure. There was a decreasing incidence in major amputations and an increasing incidence of minor amputations over the study period (P < .05). The risks for major amputation were significantly higher (all p<0.05) for AA (OR 1.4, 95%CI 1.4,1.5), Hispanic (OR 1.3, 95%CI 1.3,1.4), and NA (OR 1.5, 95%CI 1.2,1.8) patients with DFIs compared to White patients. Hispanics (OR 1.3, 95%CI 1.2,1.5) and AAs (OR 1.2, 95%CI 1.1,1.4) were more likely to receive endovascular intervention or open bypass than Whites (all p<0.05). NA patients with DFI were less likely to receive a revascularization procedure (OR 0.6, 95%CI 0.3, 0.9, p = 0.03) than Whites. The mean hospital length of stay (LOS) was significantly longer for AAs (9.2 days) and Hispanics (8.6 days) with DFIs compared to Whites (8.1 days, p<0.001). Conclusion: Despite a consistent incidence reduction of amputation over the past decade, racial and ethnic minorities including African American, Hispanic, and Native American patients admitted to hospitals with DFIs have a consistently significantly higher risk of major amputation and longer hospital length of stay than their White counterparts. Native Americans were less likely to receive revascularization procedures compared to other minorities despite exhibiting an elevated risk of an amputation. Further study is required to address and limit racial and ethnic disparities and to further promote equity in the treatment and outcomes of these at-risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim is to study the clinical profile and outcome of patients presenting with diabetic foot infections (DFI). Methods: This was a prospective study recruiting patients >18 years of age, with DFI. All patients underwent a detailed history and clinical examination. Patients were classified as per the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot -IDSA classification. The patients were followed up every month for 3 months. Clinical outcome was studied regarding the rate of amputations, readmissions, and mortality. Results: There were 65 patients with a mean age of 58.49 ± 11.04 years with male predilection (83.08%). Mean duration of diabetes mellitus was 12.03 ± 6.96 years. Ulcer (92.31%) and discharge (72.31%) were the most common presenting complaints. Monomicrobial growth was present in 36 patients (55.38%). Majority of isolates were Gram-negative (71.43%). The most common isolates were Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (28.57% each). Mild, moderate, and severe DFI was present in 40%, 47.69%, and 12.31% of patients, respectively. Severe DFI was associated with poor ulcer healing (P = 0.02) and higher number of major amputations (P < 0.001). Minor amputations were most commonly associated with moderate and severe DFI. Severe DFI had the highest number of readmissions (P = 0.04). Patients undergoing minor amputations had a significant association with area of ulcer (P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study shows the predominance of monomicrobial growth and Gram-negative organisms in diabetic foot patients. With increase in the severity of DFI, there was increased rate of hospital readmissions, amputations (major and minor), and mortality. Dimensions of ulcer may have a bearing on rate of minor amputations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diabetic foot syndrome is the most common cause of diabetic patients hospitalization, being a challenging complication of diabetes. This is a case report of a diabetic patient who presented a silent myocardial infarction after partial foot amputation. The patient presented normal troponin at admission, but after 21 days of hospitalization he acused a very slight pain in the chest and breathing difficulty. The troponin was 682 ng/l. He was transfered immediately in the intensive care unit for specific treatment. The evolution of the surgical intervention was favourable even under the poor general status. The patient fully recovered after 10 days and left the cardiology department in a good clinical condition. A silent myocardial infarction seems to occur with increased frequency in patients with diabetes, due to the cardiac autonomic dysfunction. It is highly important a quick diagnosis and a good management of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed at identifying early risk factors for rigid relapse in idiopathic clubfoot using foot radiographs.Methods: Thirty-four patients with 43 idiopathic clubfeet treated with the Ponseti method were retrospectively reviewed.Results: There were seven rigid relapse recalcitrant to manipulation and requiring extensive soft-tissue release. Three radiograabphic measurements on the maximum dorsiflexion lateral (MD-Lat) radiograph, talocalcaneal (TaloCalc-Lat), tibiocalcaneal (TibCalc-Lat), and calcaneus-first metatarsal (CalcMT1-Lat) angles, showed significant differences between patients with and without rigid relapse. The TaloCalc-Lat and CalcMT1-Lat angles showed significant hazard ratio for rigid relapse by multivariate survival analysis. Clubfeet demonstrating TibCalc-Lat>90° and CalcMT1-Lat<5° have a 24.9-fold odds ratio to develop rigid relapse compared to those demonstrating TibCalc-Lat≤90° or CalcMT1-Lat≥5°.Conclusions: The TaloCalc-Lat, TibCalc-Lat, and CalcMT1-Lat angles on the MD-Lat radiograph immediately before the tenotomy, probably representing intrinsic tightness of the midfoot and/or hindfoot, are significant risk factors for rigid relapse in patients treated with the Ponseti method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We hypothesized that foot infections secondary to a puncture wounds (PWs) have a worse prognosis concerning infection-related mortality, recurrence of the infection, and healing than those secondary to a chronic ulcer. We conducted a prospective study consisting of 200 patients with moderate-to-severe diabetic foot infections. The cohort consisted of 155 men (77.5%) and 45 women (22.5%). The mean age of the patients was 59 years (standard deviation 12.2). Puncture wounds were the cause of the infection in 107 patients (53.5%) and a chronic ulcer was the cause in 93 patients (46.5%). One hundred and eleven patients (55.5%) had moderate and 89 (44.5%) had severe infections. Osteomyelitis was more frequently found in chronic ulcers (71%) than in PWs (44.9%), P  < .001. Cox's survival analysis using PWs as an explanatory variable showed no association with infection-related mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32-3.46, P  = .92), time to recurrence of infection (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.27-1.51, P  = .30), and time to healing (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.60-1.08, P  = .15). More than half of our patients had PWs as the mechanism by which the infection occurred. These patients usually had a lower rate of osteomyelitis but required hospitalization and antibiotic therapy more frequently than patients with infected chronic ulcers. We found no difference in outcomes between the 2 groups., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

The purpose of this study was to describe patient characteristics and clinical outcome among patients with diabetic foot ulcers under treatment of a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic in multiethnic Suriname, a developing country in South America. Retrospectively, all diabetes patients (> 18 years) with foot ulcers starting their treatment at the outpatient clinic between November 2013 and October 2014 were included and followed for at least 12 weeks. To assess differences in clinical outcome between subgroups, chi-square and incorporating time-related data, the log-rank test were used. One hundred patients were included (lost to follow-up, n = 20). Half of patients were males (n = 40). Mean age was 57.8 years. Nephropathy, peripheral arterial disease, and neuropathy were present in 90.9, 41.7, and 90.3%, respectively. Thirty-five percent of wounds healed within 12 weeks (median at 50 days, 13 visits). Sixty-eight percent of wounds were infected. No major but four minor amputations were carried out. Looking at subgroups, infection and ethnicity (African vs. Asian descent), but not gender or age, increased risk for delayed healing (p < 0.001 and p = 0.049, log-rank test). It seems of high priority to increase awareness and search for accurate preventive strategies for diabetic foot, and related wounds and infections, with special attention for ethnic disparities, in Suriname. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Designed by Dr. Sethi, the Jaipur Foot prosthesis is ideally suited for amputees in developing countries as it utilizes locally sourced, biodegradable, inexpensive materials and is focused on affordability and functionality. To date, however, no data have been reported on the material properties of the foot components.Objectives: The goal of this work was to evaluate mechanical properties of the Jaipur Foot components to guide foot design and manufacturing and reduce weight.Study Design: Experimental.Methods: Mechanical testing was conducted on two types of woods (ardu and cheed), microcellular rubber, tire cord, cushion compound, tread compound, and skin-colored rubber. Each material was subjected to testing in either tension or compression based on its location and function in the foot. Samples were tested before and after vulcanization. Two-sample t-tests were used to assess statistical differences.Results: Cheed compressed perpendicular to the grain had a significantly higher modulus of elasticity than ardu ( p < 0.05); however, cheed had a higher density. Vulcanization significantly increased the modulus of skin-colored rubber, cushion compound, and tread compound ( p < 0.05) and decreased the moduli of both microcellular rubber and tire cord ( p < 0.05).Conclusion: The material property results from this study provide information for computer modeling to assess material construction on overall foot mechanics for design optimization. Ardu wood was ideal based on the desire to reduce weight, and the tire cord properties serve well to hold the foot together. Clinical relevance With new knowledge on the material properties of the components of the Jaipur Foot, future design modifications and standardized fabrication can be realized, making the Jaipur Foot more available on a global scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the incidence rates of dysvascular major lower extremity amputations (LEA) in Northern Netherlands in 2012–2013 compared to previous cohorts in 1991–1992 and 2003–2004. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Participants: Adults (N = 343) with first ever dysvascular LEA at ankle disarticulation or more proximal levels. The median age (interquartile range) was 74.2 years (64.5–81.9), 64% were male and 55% had been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM). Main outcome measures: Crude and age-standardized incidence rates of major LEA per 100.000 person-years. Results: Crude incidence rate (IR) of first ever major LEA in 2012–2013 was 9.9 per 100.000 person-years, while the age-standardized IR was 7.7 per 100.000 person-years. A Poisson regression analysis showed that amputation rates among men were 2.3 times higher compared to women (95%CI 1.9–2.6), while in 2012–2013 the population aged >63 years had decreased amputation rates compared to 1991–1992. In the DM population the crude IR decreased from 142.6 per 100.000 person-years in 2003–2004 to 89.2 per 100.000 person-years in 2012–2013 (p<0.001). Conclusions: In 2012–2013 a decrease in age-standardized IR for the general population and a decrease in crude IR for the DM population were observed compared to cohorts from the previous two decades, despite considerable shifts in the age distribution of the Dutch population towards more elderly people and increased prevalence of DM. These findings might suggest that improved treatment of patients at risk of dysvascular amputations is associated with reduced incidence rates of major LEA at the population level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many Service members and Veterans with lower-limb amputations have the potential for high function and the desire to resume physically demanding occupations that require them to carry heavy loads (e.g., military service, firefighters, farmers, ranchers, construction workers). However, it is currently unclear which prosthetic feet best accommodate heavy load carriage while also providing good overall function and mobility during unweighted activities. The main objective of this study was to investigate the ability of currently available prosthetic ankle-foot systems to accommodate weighted walking by examining the mechanical characteristics (i.e., forefoot stiffness) and dynamic function (i.e., rocker radius, effective foot length ratio, and late-stance energy return) of prosthetic feet designed for high activity users. Load versus deflection curves were obtained for nine prosthetic ankle-foot systems using a servohydraulic test frame and load cell. Effective roll-over shape characteristics and late-stance energy return measures were then obtained using quantitative gait analysis for three users with unilateral, transtibial amputation. Results from mechanical and dynamic testing showed that although forefoot stiffness varied across the nine feet investigated in this study, changes measured in roll-over shape radius and effective foot length ratio were relatively small in response to weighted walking. At the same time, prosthetic feet with more compliant forefoot keel structures appeared to provide more late-stance energy return compared to feet with stiffer forefoot keel structures. These results suggest that prosthetic ankle-foot systems with compliant forefoot keel structures may better accommodate weighted walking by reducing the metabolic cost of physically demanding activities. However, to more fully understand the biomechanical and functional implications of these results, other factors, such as the residual-limb strength of the user and the overall stiffness profile of the prosthetic foot, should also be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Guidelines recommend both histological analysis and culture for definite diagnosis of osteomyelitis. It is not clear if histological and culture criteria can be used interchangeably in the clinical scenario of toe amputation. We therefore prospectively compared the results of intraoperative culture and those of histological examination in this setting.Methods: Consecutive patients requiring toe or forefoot amputation at the University Hospital Basel during a 2-year period were included in the study. Biopsy specimens from the residual bone were cultured according to microbiological standards. Histological analysis was performed using standardized criteria for osteomyelitis. Clinical outcomes were assessed retrospectively via chart review.Results: Of 51 patients included in the study, 33 (65%) had a positive culture of residual bone and 14 (27%) showed histological signs of osteomyelitis. A negative histological result but a positive culture was found for 21 (41%) of the patients, suggesting that culture has a high false-positive rate if histological analysis is used as the reference to rule out osteomyelitis. The recommended criteria of both positive histological findings and positive culture were fulfilled by 12 (24%) of the 51 patients.Conclusions: Positive cultures of residual bone after forefoot or toe amputation overestimate the true rate of osteomyelitis as defined by histological analysis, presumably because of contamination from soft tissue at the time of surgery. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the indications for, and the duration of, antibiotic treatment according to these findings.Clinical Relevance: Our results cast doubt on the strategy of relying solely on culture of bone biopsy specimens when deciding whether antibiotic treatment for osteomyelitis is necessary after toe or forefoot amputation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alignment affects gait of individuals with transtibial prostheses. Sagittal and coronal alignment changes of the transtibial prostheses were demonstrated to affect socket reaction moments. However, the effects of transverse alignment changes on the socket reaction moments are not known.Research Question: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of transverse alignment changes on the socket reaction moments and temporal-spatial parameters of gait in transtibial prostheses.Methods: The effects of transverse prosthetic alignment changes (i.e. 10° and 5° of internal and external rotations: toe-in and toe-out of the foot relative to the socket from a baseline alignment) on the sagittal and coronal socket reaction moments and temporal-spatial parameters (gait speed, cadence and step width) while walking in 9 individuals with transtibial amputation were investigated using an instrumented prosthetic pyramid adaptor and a three-dimentional (3D) motion capture system.Results: The transverse alignment changes demonstrated significant effects on the socket reaction moments in the coronal plane at 5% (P =  0.04), 20% (P =  0.04) and 75% (P =  0.0001) of stance phase. No significant effects were found in the socket reaction moments in the sagittal plane and the temporal-spatial parameters. The internal and external rotations of the prosthetic feet may have opposite effect in early and mid- to late-stance potentially due to changes in the spatial position of the heel (rearfoot) and toe (forefoot) of the prosthetic foot relative to the socket.Significance: Transverse alignment of the transtibial prostheses should be tuned not only considering the symmetry in toe-out angles of the feet, but also considering the potential effects of transverse alignment changes that may affect the coronal socket reaction moments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared the cost-effectiveness of telemonitoring with standard monitoring for patients with diabetic foot ulcers. The economic evaluation was nested within a pragmatic randomised controlled trial. A total of 374 patients were randomised to either telemonitoring or standard monitoring. Telemonitoring consisted of two tele-consultations in the patient’s own home and one consultation at the outpatient clinic; standard monitoring consisted of three outpatient clinic consultations. Total healthcare costs were estimated over a 6-month period at individual patient level, from a healthcare sector perspective. The bootstrap method was used to calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, and one-way sensitivity analyses were performed. Telemonitoring costs were found to be €2039 less per patient compared to standard monitoring; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Amputation rate was similar in the two groups. In conclusion, a telemonitoring service in this form had similar costs and effects as standard monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impaired wound healing and ulceration caused by diabetes mellitus, is a significant healthcare burden, markedly impairs quality of life for patients, and is the major cause of amputation worldwide. Current experimental approaches used to investigate the complex wound healing process often involve cultures of fibroblasts and/or keratinocytes in vitro, which can be limited in terms of complexity and capacity, or utilisation of rodent models in which the mechanisms of wound repair differ substantively from that in humans. However, advances in tissue engineering, and the discovery of strategies to reprogramme adult somatic cells to pluripotency, has led to the possibility of developing models of human skin on a large scale. Generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from tissues donated by diabetic patients allows the (epi)genetic background of this disease to be studied, and the ability to differentiate iPSCs to multiple cell types found within skin may facilitate the development of more complex skin models; these advances offer key opportunities for improving modelling of wound healing in diabetes, and the development of effective therapeutics for treatment of chronic wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Critical limb ischemia has been identified as a risk factor for the incidence of postoperative delirium in elderly patients. Limb amputation is the last option in critical limb ischemia treatments. We investigated the incidence and predisposing factors of postoperative delirium in patients undergoing major leg amputation. Methods: From January 2012 to December 2016, 121 patients aged over 60 years who had undergone major leg amputation were enrolled in this study. Various factors related to the patients' outcomes were assessed, including demographic, preoperative laboratory, anesthetic, surgical, and postoperative indicators. Results: Twenty two patients were excluded and 99 patients were assigned to either the delirium group or no delirium group. Forty of them (40%) developed a delirium during 30 days postoperatively. Univariate analysis implied that endstage renal disease on hemodialysis, alcohol consumption, C-reactive protein, staying in an intensive care unit (ICU), duration of an ICU stay, occurrence of complications, and mortality during six months, were the factors that accounted for significant differences between the two groups. In multivariate analysis, three factors were significantly related to the development of delirium: mortality during six months (odds ratio [OR] = 13.86, 95% CI [2.10-31.90]), alcohol (OR = 8.18, 95% CI [1.13-16.60]), and hemodialysis (OR = 4.34, 95% CI [2.06-93.08]). Conclusions: Approximately 40% of the elderly patients suffered from postoperative delirium in major leg amputation. Identifying those with risk factors for postoperative delirium and intervening at the early stage will be of great benefit in major leg amputations for the elderly population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the effects of individualized one-stop treatment on diabetic foot (DF) which cooperated by physicians and surgeons. Methods Of those DF patients, 98 patients (group N1, from January 2014 to December 2015), 70 patients (group N2, from Endocrine Center between January 2016 and March 2017) without individualized one-stop treatment and 109 patients (group Y, from Endocrine Center between January 2016 and March 2017) with individual one-stop treatment were recruited in this study. The data of gender, age, weight, glycated hemoglobin A1c and Wagner grade etc. were collected and compared among three groups. Efficacy of follow-up at 3 months and 6 months in each group treatment, costs and patients' satisfaction rate were collected. Chi-square test and t test were used for statistical analysis. Results The proportion of Wagner 4 in group Y were higher than those in group N1 and N2 [49（45.0%）vs 17（17.3%）vs 22（31.4%）] and ankle brachial index<0.6 [26(23.9%) vs 8(8.2%) vs 6(8.6%)]（χ2=6.780-18.109, all P<0.05）. The healing rate [3 month: 54（49.5%）vs 26（26.5%）vs 20（34.6%）; 6 month: 97（89.0%）vs 41 （41.8%）vs 32（45.7%）, χ2=4.254-6.121, all P<0.05], total hospitalization expenses [（21 307.7±6 204.6）vs （13 575.8±3 981.2）vs（19 323.0±4 356.1）yuan, t=2.852, 2.343, both P<0.05] of group Y in 3 months, 6 months were significantly higher than those of group N1 and group N2, respectively. The amputation rate above malleolus [8（7.3%）vs 19（19.4%）vs 13（18.6%）, χ2=5.802, 5.193, both P<0.05], the average hospital stays of cured patients [（16.9±4.8）vs（21.7±11.3）vs（19.1±4.9）d, t=3.324, -2.911, both P<0.05] were lower than those of group N1 and group N2, respectively. Conclusion Individualized one-stop treatment mode in DF has higher healing rate and lower hospitalization days, and could be worthy of clinical promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the association between the number of people hospitalized for diabetes and the number of people with limb amputation. Method: This is an ecological study using the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System (SIH / SUS) from 2010 to 2015 in the state of Ceará, Brazil. The data were analyzed by the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Pearson's linear correlation coefficient was applied to measure the intensity of the linear association between the variables. Results: There were 27,054 hospital admissions for diabetes. There was an inverse correlation between the number of admissions for treatment of diabetes and proportional correlation of the number of hospitalizations for complicated foot treatment and hospitalization for limb amputations. Conclusion: The data reveal a thin line regarding the health care of the person with diabetic foot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy is used to promote healing in select problem wounds. Transcutaneous oxygen measurement (TCOM) can be used to predict the response of these wounds to HBO2, with in-chamber TCOM values shown to be the most predictive. We evaluated the use of inchamber TCOM values to determine optimal treatment pressure. Methods: A retrospective review was completed of patients undergoing HBO2 therapy for a lower-extremity wound and who had in-chamber TCOM. Data collected included TCOM values, treatment profile, and patient outcome. Results: A total of 142 patients were identified. The overall results demonstrated healing in 59%, minor amputation (below ankle) in 11.3%, and major amputation (above ankle) in 16.2% of patients. 79.3% of patients at 2 atmospheres absolute (ATA) and 86.6% of patients at 2.4 ATA had transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) values >=250 mmHg. Among those with TcPO2 <250 mmHg at 2 ATA, 41% attained TcPO2 >250 mmHg at 2.4 ATA. Among those treated at 2 ATA the healing rate was 70.6% if TcPO2 >250 mmHg, and 11.8% if TcPO2 <250 mmHg (P<0.001). Among those treated at 2.4 ATA the healing rate was 33.3% if TcPO2 >250 mmHg and 14.3% if TcPO2 <250 mmHg (p<0.001). Discussion: Determining optimal therapeutic pressure for patients undergoing HBO2 is important to maximize benefit and minimize risk. This study indicates that in-chamber TCOM can be used to select an individualized optimal treatment pressure in patients undergoing HBO2 for lower-extremity wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers. This may result in better utilization of HBO2 and better outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human foot serves as an important part to support the body weight and accounts for the majority of our movements. A mangled limb involves injury to at least three out of four systems, namely the soft tissues, nerves, blood supply and bone. While amputation is indicated in some cases of mangled limb, with proper planning, limb salvaging surgical management is also a viable option. Special consideration to the skeletal stabilization, control of infection, vascular status and soft tissue coverage is paramount to the success of limb salvaging surgery. We present a case of mangled limb which was successfully treated with limb salvaging surgical management. Initial debridement, Kirschner wires insertion and cross ankle external fixation were used for skeletal stabilization. An antibiotic spacer was inserted for local antibiotic and to maintain the length left due to the loss of medial and intermediate cuneiform bones. The anterior tibialis artery and its venae comitantes were utilized for free vascularized fibular graft to provide bony reconstruction as well as soft tissue coverage for the mangled foot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes is associated with various complications and reduced quality of life. Of the many complications, some are life-threatening. Among these, foot complications remain an important concern. The major foot complications include foot ulceration, cellulitis, abscess, wet gangrene, dry gangrene, and necrotizing fasciitis, with different pathophysiological concepts behind each of them. Gangrene occurs due to reduced blood supply in the body tissues that leads to necrosis. This condition may arise because of an injury, infection, or other health conditions, majorly diabetes. Gangrene is classified as dry, wet, and gas gangrene. In case of wet and gas gangrene, surgical amputation is usually performed to prevent the spread of infection to other tissues. In dry gangrene, due to the presence of clear demarcation, autoamputation is preferred in certain parts of the globe. The present review aims to analyze the mode of dry gangrene management in diabetic patients based on previous evidence and plans to highlight various management strategies available for dry gangrene and the advantages/disadvantages of different treatments with special consideration to autoamputation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparative assessment of the parameters of plantar pressure between healthy individuals and patients with various forms of diabetic foot syndrome revealed a predominance of pressure in the metatarsal joints in conditions of a developing pathological condition. At the same time, the comparative disproportions in the middle foot zone revealed by us indicate the presence of plantar changes characteristic of the varus installation. In spite of the presence of an identical zone of the amputational surgery carried out (the finger zone), the data obtained have the opposite level of meanings. In other words, in the presence of a predominant level of plantar pressure in the anterior zone of the foot in patients suffering from amputation of II-V toes, amputation of only one, i. e. the toe of the foot, significantly alters the superiority of plantar pressure coordination. This, in turn, indicates the need for a differentiated approach to the decision to choose a rehabilitation option for patients depending on the type of surgical intervention performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]