The influence of external precipitating factors and peripheral neuropathy on the development and outcome of diabetic foot ulcers.

The influence of external precipitating factors and the presence of peripheral neuropathy on the development and outcome of foot ulcers were evaluated in 314 consecutive diabetic patients. All patients were treated by the same foot care team. Each patient was represented by one ulcer, and primary healing was defined as intact skin for at least six months. External precipitating factors were identifiable in 264 of 314 patients. The most common factors were ill fitting shoes/socks, acute mechanical trauma, stress ulcer, and paronychia. The highest primary healing rates were seen in lesions caused by paronychia (84%) and stress ulcer (76%). Clinical signs of sensory and muscular disturbances were seen in the majority of patients (96%). Sensory neuropathy, evaluated with a biothesiometer, was more common among patients who had had amputations or, died subsequently compared to those who healed. This study suggests that a majority of diabetic foot ulcers might have been prevented, since a precipitating external factor was identified in four of five patients, stressing the importance of preventive foot care.