Ischaemic foot-debridement and skin grafts

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcers are difficult to heal and are a precursor to amputation. They need a multidisciplinary approach. Preparation of a clean wound bed through debridement is often needed in chronic necrotic wounds. Debridement may be surgical, enzymatic, mechanical or biological. Adjuncts to healing include hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Negative pressure wound therapy has revolutionized the wound management and allows early closure of the wounds and improved quality of life. Split skin graft remains the preferred method of providing skin cover. To stay healed the foot needs to be offloaded.