Sicco A Bus1. 1. Amsterdam, The Netherlands From the Department of Rehabilitation, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: An increased plantar pressure is a causative factor in the development of plantar foot ulcers in people with diabetes mellitus, and ulcers are a precursor of lower extremity amputation. METHODS: In this article, the evidence is reviewed that relieving areas of increased plantar pressure (ie, offloading) can heal plantar foot ulcers and prevent their recurrence. RESULTS: Noninfected, nonischemic neuropathic plantar forefoot ulcers should heal in 6 to 8 weeks with adequate offloading. Recent meta-analyses and systematic reviews show that nonremovable knee-high devices are most effective. This is probably because they eliminate the problem of nonadherence with the use of a removable device. Studies show a large discrepancy between evidence-based recommendations on offloading and what is used in clinical practice. Many clinics continue to use methods that are less effective or have not been proven to be effective, while ignoring evidence-based methods. Strategies are proposed to address this issue, notably the adoption and implementation of recent international guidelines by professional societies and a stronger focus of clinicians on expedited healing. For the prevention of plantar foot ulcer recurrence in high-risk patients, 2 recent trials have shown that the incidence of recurrence can be significantly reduced with custom-made footwear that has a demonstrated pressure-relieving effect through guidance by plantar pressure measurements, under the condition that the footwear is worn. CONCLUSION: This review helps to inform clinicians about effective offloading treatment for healing plantar foot ulcers and preventing their recurrence.
BACKGROUND: An increased plantar pressure is a causative factor in the development of plantar foot ulcers in people with diabetes mellitus, and ulcers are a precursor of lower extremity amputation. METHODS: In this article, the evidence is reviewed that relieving areas of increased plantar pressure (ie, offloading) can heal plantar foot ulcers and prevent their recurrence. RESULTS: Noninfected, nonischemic neuropathic plantar forefoot ulcers should heal in 6 to 8 weeks with adequate offloading. Recent meta-analyses and systematic reviews show that nonremovable knee-high devices are most effective. This is probably because they eliminate the problem of nonadherence with the use of a removable device. Studies show a large discrepancy between evidence-based recommendations on offloading and what is used in clinical practice. Many clinics continue to use methods that are less effective or have not been proven to be effective, while ignoring evidence-based methods. Strategies are proposed to address this issue, notably the adoption and implementation of recent international guidelines by professional societies and a stronger focus of clinicians on expedited healing. For the prevention of plantar foot ulcer recurrence in high-risk patients, 2 recent trials have shown that the incidence of recurrence can be significantly reduced with custom-made footwear that has a demonstrated pressure-relieving effect through guidance by plantar pressure measurements, under the condition that the footwear is worn. CONCLUSION: This review helps to inform clinicians about effective offloading treatment for healing plantar foot ulcers and preventing their recurrence.
Authors: Peter A Lazzarini; Ryan T Crews; Jaap J van Netten; Sicco A Bus; Malindu E Fernando; Paul J Chadwick; Bijan Najafi Journal: J Diabetes Sci Technol Date: 2019-04-29
Authors: Sicco A Bus; Jaap J van Netten; Anke Ir Kottink; Erik A Manning; Maximilian Spraul; Arend-Jan Woittiez; Jeff G van Baal Journal: Int Wound J Date: 2017-10-23 Impact factor: 3.315