Coming events cast their shadows before: Detecting inflammation in the acute diabetic foot and the foot in remission

Manish Bharara, Jeffrey Schoess, David G. Armstrong

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

63 Scopus citations

Abstract

The incidence of diabetic foot complications, most notably wounds, is increasing worldwide. Most people who present for care of a foot wound will become infected. Globally, this results in one major amputation every 30seconds with over 2500 limbs lost per day. Presently, clinicians assess circulation, neuropathy and plantar pressures to identify the risk of foot ulceration. Several studies have suggested prevention of foot ulcers by identifying individuals at high risk and treating for lower extremity complications. Our group has proposed several diagnostics as well as prevention strategies, especially thermography and thermometry for management of patients with diabetic foot complications. These strategies employ non-invasive assessment of inflammation for acute as well as chronic care for the foot, with the intent to prevent ulceration/re-ulceration and subsequent traumatic amputations. The authors' review some important clinical studies and ongoing research in this area, with the long-term goal to further the role of thermography and thermometry in clinical care for the diabetic foot.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)15-20
Number of pages6
JournalDiabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews
Volume28
Issue numberSUPPL. 1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2012

Keywords

  • Diabetic foot
  • Infection
  • Inflammation
  • Prevention
  • Thermography
  • Ulceration

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Internal Medicine
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Endocrinology

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