Which diagnostic tests in everyday clinical practice are (not) useful in the management of diabetic foot disease?

Abstract

This commentary reviews the use of a small number of tests used in the routine management of foot disease in diabetes. The aim is to consider some of the evidence underlying the use of these tests and the difficulties that can be encountered in interpretation. All tests have their limitations and it is important for these to be understood by the clinicians who request them. There are few test results which are categorically diagnostic in the field of the diabetic foot and the majority merely provide supporting evidence for a diagnosis that is either less or more strongly suspected on other grounds.

Keywords: diabetic foot; infection; neuropathy; osteomyelitis; peripheral artery disease; ulcer risk.