"Dorsal incision" the treatment of complicated forefoot plantar ulcers in the anaesthetic foot.

Abstract

The in-patient treatment of 107 complicated forefoot plantar ulcers occurring in the anaesthetic foot by the operation of dorsal incision is presented. The operative technique of dorsal incision and subsequent wound dressing is described. 69 ulcers healed prior to discharge and all but 3 ulcers healed in an average of 27.2 days. In-patient stay averaged 31.4 days. The complications of the procedure are presented. Emphasis is placed on health education of the patient regarding care of the anaesthetic foot. Further follow up is suggested to see if dorsal incision reduces the recurrence of plantar ulceration.