Podiatry Today Current Issue

Emerging Advances In Wound Closure

admin — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:42:39 -0400

Given the potential complications associated with chronic wounds in high-risk patients, the authors debate the merits of different approaches to wound closure and explore emerging concepts in the combination of mechanical assistance and tissue expansion to facilitate improved healing.

Current Concepts In Wound Debridement

admin — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:11:33 -0400

Appropriate debridement sets the stage for the conversion of chronic wounds into acute wounds, and eventual healing. With this in mind, these authors discuss essential patient considerations and offer a salient overview of debridement options ranging from sharp debridement to the emergence of ultrasonic debridement.

Is Foam More Effective Than Gauze With Negative Pressure Wound Therapy?

admin — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:41:27 -0400

Yes. Lee C. Rogers, DPM cites the evidence from negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) trials and says the characteristics of NPWT foam facilitate the development of granulation tissue and improved healing in diabetic foot ulcers.

There is no question that negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a valuable modality in facilitating wound closure. In particular, the use of foam dressings with NPWT has demonstrated success in reducing wound surface size and accelerating the formation of granulation tissue.

Current Concepts In Surgical Offloading Of DFUs

admin — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:36:59 -0400

When one ensures proper patient selection, surgical offloading may offer key benefits for patients with diabetic foot ulcerations. Accordingly, these authors offer insights and review study findings on the use of flexor tenotomies, metatarsal head resection, Achilles tendon lengthening and external fixation to help facilitate optimal outcomes.

Assessing The Impact Of Extracellular Matrices

admin — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:50:08 -0400

Biological extracellular matrices may play a valuable role in reducing potential complications and facilitating improved wound healing. Accordingly, these authors review the literature, discuss key considerations with the use of these products in chronic wounds, and share their insights on the potential of an emerging xenograft.

July 2009

admin — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:43:42 -0400

Study Cites Link Between Higher Triglycerides And Diabetic Neuropathy

By Brian McCurdy, Senior Editor

A recently published study in Diabetes suggests a correlation between elevated triglyceride levels and diabetic neuropathy, lending credence to the idea that hyperlipidemia is a factor in the progression of diabetic neuropathy.

Addressing Skin Tension With Biopsies

admin — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:47:12 -0400

I would like to applaud Tracey Vlahovic, DPM, for her article entitled “A Guide to Biopsy Techniques for Skin Neoplasms” (see page 50–56 in the May issue of Podiatry Today). Any information that turns attention to the skin biopsy in podiatric literature is sorely needed.

Can New Hemostatic Dressings Facilitate Sharp Debridement In High-Risk Patients?

admin — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:58:02 -0400

Sharp debridement is a critical step to promote healing and allow the body to repair chronic wounds as naturally and healthily as possible. Removing necrotic tissue and biofilm from the surface of chronic wounds converts chronic wounds into acute ones, effectively “resetting” the wound healing cascade and allowing the healing process to take place.

Keys To Detecting And Treating Entrapment Neuropathies

admin — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:00:09 -0400

Entrapment neuropathy of the tarsal tunnel and its terminal branches is a painful condition, which can be challenging to diagnose given the possibility of concurrent conditions with overlapping symptoms. Heel spur syndrome/plantar fasciitis and entrapment neuropathy often present at the same time. However, it is important to differentiate clearly between the two pathologies as entrapment neuropathy has a distinct history and clinical presentation.

Key Insights On Offloading Diabetic Neuropathic Ulcers

admin — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:09:18 -0400

Offloading a wound is a critical component of facilitating optimal outcomes with healing. Accordingly, these expert panelists discuss the use of total contact casting (TCC) to offload diabetic neuropathic wounds as well as the impact of instant total contact casting (iTCC) and other offloading methods.

Q: As far as offloading devices go for diabetic/neuropathic foot ulcers, do you use total contact casting?