Diabetic foot osteomyelitis

Medical treatment and conservative surgical approach in a Diabetic Foot Unit

  • Pablo Orellano Universidad de la República, Facultad de Medicina, Hospital de Clínicas. Hospital Regional Mercedes, Unidad de Pie Diabético, Endocrinología y Metabolismo, Ex Profesor Adjunto
  • Oscar Maglione Hospital Regional Mercedes, Unidad de Pie Diabético, Clínica Quirúrgica, Ex Asistente
  • Lorena Irastoza Hospital Regional Mercedes, Servicio de Endocrinología, Unidad de Pie Diabético, Licenciada en Enfermería
  • María Gastambide Universidad de la República, Facultad de Medicina, Hospital de Clínicas, Cátedra de Cirugía Vascular, Profesor Adjunto
  • Matías Torres Negreira Universidad de la República, Facultad de Medicina, Hospital de Clínicas, Unidad de Pie Diabético, Postgrado de Endocrinología y Metabolismo
  • María del Huerto Urdangarin Hospital Regional Mercedes, Unidad de Pie Diabético, Servicio de Endocrinología, Podóloga
  • Lucia Introini Universidad de la República, Facultad de Medicina, Hospital de Clínicas, Unidad de Pie Diabético, Postgrado de Endocrinología y Metabolismo
  • Martha Cabrera Universidad de la República, Facultad de Medicina, Carrera de Podología EUTM, Unidad de Pie Diabético, Prof. Adjunto
  • Lilian Vucovich Universidad de la República, Facultad de Medicina, Unidad de Pie Diabético, Carrera de Podología EUTM, Directora. Prof. Agdo.
Keywords: OSTEOMYELITIS, DIABETIC FOOT, CONSERVATIVE SURGERY, CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT

Abstract

Infection is the most frequent complication in diabetic foot ulcers, and it is the main cause of minor and major lower extremities amputations.
Osteomyelitis accounts for 60% of cases and it constitutes a challenge when it comes to treatment, since controversies arise depending on its clinical presentation.
Resection of the infected bone has been the golden standard, despite it may cause functional sequelae and recurring ulcers. In the last two decades antibiotic therapy has emerged, combined with a conservative surgical approach or no surgery in forefoot lesions, the results being satisfactory.
Objective: to present the results of medical treatment of foot osteomyelitis in diabetic patients, prioritizing minimal resections that avoid amputations which alter the biomechanics of the foot.
The study evaluated 6 diabetic patients assisted at the Diabetic Foot Unit, with phalanx, metatarsal and calcaneal osteomyelitis. They received antibiotic therapy for 7 ± 2 weeks and resections were limited to the forefoot, showing good evolution. During a one-year follow-up, there were no signs of infection in the initial site or adjacent to the lesion, support of the foot being preserved.
Conclusion: minimum resection surgery with no local or major amputation is a successful therapy in selected cases of diabetic foot osteomyelitis. Prospective trials are necessary to determine benefits of this management when compared to other approaches.

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Published
2022-03-29
How to Cite
1.
Orellano P, Maglione O, Irastoza L, Gastambide M, Torres Negreira M, Urdangarin M del H, Introini L, Cabrera M, Vucovich L. Diabetic foot osteomyelitis. Rev. Méd. Urug. [Internet]. 2022Mar.29 [cited 2024Dec.18];38(1):e38110. Available from: https://www2.rmu.org.uy/ojsrmu311/index.php/rmu/article/view/878
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Brief Original Articles