What treatments are available for diabetic foot wounds and infections?
Small, superficial ulcers without significant contamination are often managed on an outpatient basis with frequent follow-up. More complex wounds with deep space infection and exposed bone, tendon or joint will necessitate hospital admission and a multidisciplinary team evaluation. A careful examination will be performed to determine the cause of the ulcer. X-rays will be obtained to look for fractures, foreign bodies and bone infection. Findings may be confirmed with additional tests such as MRI. If vascular disease and impaired circulation is thought to be adversely affecting wound healing then flow studies will be obtained. Angioplasty or vascular bypass may be required to enhance local blood flow and healing potential. The cornerstone of complex diabetic wound care is thorough surgical removal of unhealthy tissue (debridement). Devitalized skin, muscle and bone will be excised and deep tissue cultures sent to allow for optimization of antibiotic therapy. After the wound has been cl
