HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY FOR DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS

Abstract

Diabetic patients account for the vast majority of nontraumatic amputation of the lower extremity diabetic foot lesions most commonly result from a combination of neuropathy and vascular disease in the lower extremity, and may be the presenting feature of diabetes. i:n .the older patient. Insufficient attention previously has been given to the careful clinical assesment of the foot, which enables the physician to recognit.c those patients who are at particular risk of ulceration. The high-risk patient requires education and frequent follow up to reduce the risk of lesions developing. (Boulton, 1988). The key to a future reduction 111 the incidence of diabetic foot ulceration is the setting up of a foot care team in which the skilb of nureses. podiatrists. onhotists. physicians. and surgeonare combined. The most important members of the team. however. are the patients. who must be convinced that regular foot care will reduce their chances oftleveloping ulceration and other catastrophic consequen es. such as• ainputat ion (Bridges and Deitch, 1994).