[Total contact cast for management of neuropathic ulceration of the foot].
Neuropathic foot ulcers are common in diabetic patients. One etiological factor is neural dysfunction. These ulcers are a major cause leading to limb loss and exist in 85% of diabetic patients undergoing amputations. A treatment modality of neuropathic ulcers is by weight-bearing relief of the affected area, which facilitates natural healing. The best way of providing such treatment is by the application of a total contact healing plaster cast which dissipates the pressure over the entire sole and shin. The method is successful in more than 70% of the cases. The major drawbacks of this process are the frequent need to change the plaster cast, which is extremely time consuming, and the need for a skilled artisan. This treatment protocol is dependent on the availability of conditions that will permit the artisan to create these total contact casts.
Tamir
Eran
E
Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Department, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel. eranetta@012.net.il
Heim
Michael
M
Siev-Ner
Itzhak
I
D002370:Casts, Surgical; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000601:surgery*; D005528:Foot; D016523:Foot Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans