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The Role of an Orthopaedic Surgeon in the Management of Diabetic Foot Complications

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Management of Diabetic Foot Complications

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Abstract

This chapter examines what orthopaedic treatments are available for patients with diabetic foot complications.

With the increasing incidence in the UK population of diabetes, and the numbers expected to rise to 5.5 million patients by 2030, diabetic complications will be presenting to foot and ankle services. The presence of an ulcer has a detrimental effect on the life expectancy of patients. It is imperative that foot and ankle surgeons are aware of the scale of the problem and know how to treat the complications.

The chapter discusses general assessment of the patient, and the role of first line investigations and diagnostic imaging.

Surgical offloading surgery is explored, with soft tissue rebalancing, tendon releases, and exostectomies. Surgery and debridement for diabetic bone infection is also discussed, and the role of antibiotic impregnated bone void filler is mentioned.

The importance of the foot arches and how they should be reconstructed is discussed, and the timing of surgery in relation to the Eichenholtz staging of the Charcot collapse.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Frimley, UK

    Alexander Wee

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  1. University of Southampton, Southampton, UK

    Clifford P. Shearman

  2. Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Frimley, UK

    Patrick Chong

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Wee, A. (2023). The Role of an Orthopaedic Surgeon in the Management of Diabetic Foot Complications. In: Shearman, C.P., Chong, P. (eds) Management of Diabetic Foot Complications. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-05832-5_13

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