[Diabetic foot: new insights into pathophysiology and treatment].
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.
van Sloten
T T
TT
Maastricht Universitair Medisch Centrum, afd. Interne Geneeskunde, onderafd. Endocrinologie, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht. t.vansloten@student.unimaas.nl
Friederichs
S A H
SA
Huijberts
M S P
MS
Schaper
N C
NC
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*