Update in diagnosis and treatment of diabetic foot infections

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2009 Nov;20(4):611-25. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2009.06.007.

Abstract

Foot infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetics. Evaluation of diabetic foot infections often requires clinical, radiologic, laboratory, and microbiologic assessment. Osteomyelitis has a profound impact on the prognosis and management of these infections, and diagnosis can be difficult; the gold standard remains bone biopsy. Despite a panoply of studies, the optimal management of diabetic foot infections remains poorly understood. Antibiotics, surgery, rehabilitation and/or off-loading, and glycemic control remain the cornerstones of treatment; alternative therapies remain largely unproven.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Debridement / methods
  • Diabetic Foot / complications*
  • Diabetic Foot / therapy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Osteomyelitis / etiology*
  • Osteomyelitis / physiopathology
  • Osteomyelitis / therapy*
  • Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wound Healing / physiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents