ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors explore common clinical presentations of diabetic foot disease in foot and ankle practice and their multidisciplinary treatment with an emphasis on surgical component. The risk factors for its development include peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, infection and altered foot mechanics. A diabetic foot ulcer with no deep infection, significant deformity or marked vascular insufficiency usually responds well to bedside debridement and appropriate wound dressing, followed by culture specific oral antibiotic administration and offloading of the foot in a suitable brace until ulcer healing is achieved. Non-surgical management of diabetic foot ulcer includes cover with dressings to maintain the right degree of moisture on the wound bed, control exudate and avoid maceration of the surrounding skin. The medical management of active CN primarily is primarily offloading of the leg in cast and protected weight-bearing. Surgical management has been a key component of care in the management of diabetic foot disorders for over the past 70 years.
