title: Metatarsal head resection for diabetic foot ulcers.
abstract: Twenty-five diabetic patients underwent 34 metatarsal head resections for chronic neuropathic ulceration. All ulcers were located on the plantar surface beneath the metatarsophalangeal joints. The ulcers had been present for a mean of 9.0 +/- 7.8 months before operation, yet they healed in a mean of 2.4 +/- 1.6 months postoperatively. None recurred during the mean follow-up time of 13.8 +/- 11.0 months. Moderate peripheral vascular disease, impaired renal function, and retinopathy did not affect the time required for ulcer healing. There were two complications: one wound infection and one hematoma. No extremities were lost, and none of the patients suffered any long-term sequelae. We recommend metatarsal head resection to achieve the healing of chronic diabetic foot ulcers under the metatarsophalangeal joints.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, School of Medicine, KY 40292.
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Griffiths
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Wieman
mesh_terms: D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008682:Metatarsal Bones / Q000601:surgery*; D008683:Metatarsophalangeal Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012883:Skin Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014945:Wound Healing