title: Off-loading techniques in the treatment of diabetic plantar neuropathic foot ulceration.
abstract: In the individual with diabetes mellitus, foot ulceration represents the single most important risk factor in lower-extremity amputation. The goal of treatment is to obtain a healed and closed wound that (1) eliminates a portal of entry for bacterial invasion and development of limb-threatening infection, and (2) allows for tissue loading. This manuscript reviews current off-loading approaches to the treatment of plantar neuropathic foot ulcers, along with advantages and disadvantages of those techniques.
authors.affiliation: Division of Podiatric Medical/Surgical Services at Western Pennsylvania Hospital, Pittsburgh, USA.
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Catanzariti
authors.forename: B D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Haverstock
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Grossman
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Mendicino
mesh_terms: D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D011312:Pressure; D012307:Risk Factors; D012775:Shoes; D016474:Weight-Bearing; D014945:Wound Healing