ABSTRACT
ESR (>70 mm), visible bone or palpable bone on palpating the wound, nonhealing ulcer, unexplained leukocytosis, radiological evidence of under-
lying bone destruction, ulcerated area greater than 2 cm2 or 3-mm deep. l Imaging by plain radiographs detects foreign bodies and tissue gas; earlier
diagnosis of osteomyelitis requires nuclear imaging using technetium,
gallium or a white blood cell scan (or a combination of these) or bone MR. l Aggressive surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy are usually required
for foot infections. Complete healing requires off-loading, cessation of
smoking, treatment of edema and follow-up studies such as repeat imaging. l Reference (116).
