Diabetic Infection of the Lower Limb: A Continuing Surgical Problem
Abstract
Records of 148 diabetics with lower limb infection treated surgically during 1975-1979 were analysed. The majority presented with acute suppuration or gangrene of the toes and feet. There was usually a long delay in seeking treatment and diabetes was often poorly controlled. The amputation rate was 47.3 percent and mortality 8.1 percent. Hospitalization averaged 50.9 days. Surgical aspects of management were discussed. In suppuration and gangrene early and adequate excisional drainage, exploration for deep-seated abscesses, and amputation through uninfected tissue were emphasized. Conservative surgery should be adopted in chronic trophic ulcers. The necessity for proper diabetic control and foot care was also stressed.
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