Management of complex diabetic foot wound by external fixation: An effective way for limb salvage

Abstract

Background: Diabetic foot is a potentially limb-threatening disorder that is being recognised with increasing frequency in persons with long-standing diabetes and concomitant peripheral sensory neuropathy. Aim and Objective: Evaluation of the adjunctive role of external fixation in soft tissue reconstruction to ensure healing and limb salvage. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two patients with complex diabetic foot wound who underwent external fixation as a limb salvage procedure were studied prospectively. Results: External fixation of the foot made it stable such that the patient became ambulatory early with support. Hence, limb amputation can be avoided with early closure of the wound resulting in improved quality-of-life. Conclusion: External fixation provides limb off-loading, immobilization, skeletal fixation, wound care, preservation of vascular structures and simultaneously allow the soft tissue healing in complex diabetic wound. So it is a better method of limb salvaging than the traditional methods with encouraging results.