Predicting wound healing in the diabetic foot: Measuring skin viability

Abstract

Once the integrity of the skin is disrupted, healing the resulting ulcer is a major therapeutic challenge. Peripheral neuropathy and ischaemia are well-recognised complications that lead to foot ulceration in a diabetic subject. In recent years, there has been growing evidence of high-prevalence neuroischaemia in the feet of diabetic patients. Objective assessments of skin sensation, the macrocirculation and microcirculation permit routine wound healing. Given the incidence of neuroischaemia in this patient population, these assessments offer the possibility of preventive management and prediction of wound healing potential.