title: [Diabetic foot: new insights into pathophysiology and treatment].
abstract: A foot ulcer is a complication that is difficult to treat in people with diabetes mellitus. Over the past few years, both clinicians and scientists have been showing more interest in this condition. A number of factors are involved in the development and maintenance of a diabetic foot ulcer, including: polyneuropathy, mechanical overload, peripheral arterial disease and infection. The cornerstones of treatment are: relief of pressure, the restoration of perfusion ofthe foot, treatment of infection, wound care, optimum glucose regulation and education. New and effective methods of treatment have become available. These include a non-removable plaster cast that is modelled to the form of the foot (a 'total contact cast'), endovascular revascularisation procedures in the lower leg, and topical application of negative pressure.
authors.affiliation: Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum, afd. Interne Geneeskunde, onderafd. Endocrinologie, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht. t.vansloten@student.unimaas.nl
authors.forename: T T
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: van Sloten
authors.forename: S A H
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Friederichs
authors.forename: M S P
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Huijberts
authors.forename: N C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Schaper
mesh_terms: D002370:Casts, Surgical; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D005528:Foot / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000628:therapy*