Lower-limb amputations in patients with diabetes mellitus.

It is estimated that approximately 23.6 million people in the United States have diabetes mellitus. With adequate control of this disease and appropriate foot care and basic surveillance, many patients can lead active and healthy lifestyles.

Charcot neuroarthropathy of the foot and ankle.

Charcot neuroarthropathy is a common cause of morbidity in persons with diabetes mellitus and sensory neuropathy. Although Charcot neuroarthropathy is rare, it likely will become more prevalent in conjunction with increased incidence of diabetes mellitus. Prevention of disease progression remains the mainstay of treatment, with surgical intervention usually reserved for refractory cases.

A randomized trial of two irremovable off-loading devices in the management of plantar neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a removable cast walker (RCW) rendered irremovable (iTCC) with the total contact cast (TCC) in the treatment of diabetic neuropathic plantar foot ulcers.

Research Design And Methods: In a prospective, randomized, controlled trial, 41 consecutive diabetic patients with chronic, nonischemic, neuropathic plantar foot ulcers were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a RCW rendered irremovable by wrapping it with a single layer of fiberglass casting material (i.e.