Description

Foot wounds are now the most common diabetes-related cause of hospitalization and are a frequent precursor to amputation. Persons with diabetes have a 30-fold higher life-time risk of undergoing a lower extremity amputation compared to those without diabetes. An infected foot wound precedes about two-thirds of lower extremity amputations and infection is surpassed only by gangrene as an indication for diabetic lower extremity amputation. Persons with diabetes have at least a 10 fold greater risk of being hospitalized for soft tissue and bone infections of the foot than persons without diabetes.

With these data as a backdrop, we will review the current state of play regarding treatment of the diabetic foot and wounds in the developed and developing world. We will explore policy factors associated with the team approach to amputation prevention as well as tips for the structure of successful teams, both at SALSA and worldwide. The concept of the “Toe and Flow” philosophy of prevention will be explored. Subsequently, emphasis will be placed on specific successes and failures and perhaps a way forward toward prevention. We also explore the use of novel new technology merging consumer electronics with medical devices in an effort to prevent problems before they start.

Specialty

• 
  Foot & Nail
• 
  Wound

Learning Outcome

Additional Info

AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™:
1.00

Physical Therapy Contact Hours:
1.00

Type of Credit:
AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM, Physical Therapy Contact Hours