title: Surgical management of diabetic foot infections and osteomyelitis.
abstract: Foot ulceration and subsequent infection are a major complication of diabetes mellitus. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, these infections often lead to amputation. A multidisciplinary team approach is essential to maximize outcomes in the attempt to limit amputation and decrease patient morbidity. Mild to moderate diabetic foot infections often respond favorably to local wound care, offloading, and antibiotic therapy. When conservative measures fail or when faced with limb- or life-threatening infection, surgical intervention, whether it be incision and drainage or possible amputation, is warranted. The authors review underlying pathophysiology of diabetic foot infections and an evidenced-based approach to surgical management, with additional emphasis on treatment of osteomyelitis.
authors.affiliation: Carl T. Hayden Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 650 East Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA. robert.frykberg@med.va.gov
authors.forename: Robert G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Frykberg
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wittmayer
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Zgonis
mesh_terms: D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery*; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents