Skip Navigation
Skip to contents

JYMS : Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science

Indexed in: ESCI, Scopus, PubMed,
PubMed Central, CAS, DOAJ, KCI
FREE article processing charge
OPEN ACCESS
SEARCH
Search

Articles

Page Path
HOME > J Yeungnam Med Sci > Volume 40(4); 2023 > Article
Editorial
Unveiling the challenges of diabetic foot infections: diagnosis, pathogenesis, treatment, and rehabilitation
Chul Hyun Parkorcid
Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science 2023;40(4):319-320.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2023.01011
Published online: October 11, 2023

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu, Korea

Corresponding author: Chul Hyun Park, MD, PhD Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, 170 Hyeonchung-ro, Nam-gu, Daegu 42415, Korea Tel: +82-53-620-3641 • Fax: +82-53-628-4020 • E-mail: chpark77@naver.com
• Received: September 13, 2023   • Revised: September 27, 2023   • Accepted: September 27, 2023

Copyright © 2023 Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Yeungnam University Institute of Medical Science

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

prev next
  • 1,072 Views
  • 51 Download
jyms-2023-01011i1.jpg
Diabetic foot infections (DFIs) are complex and debilitating consequences of diabetes mellitus with far-reaching implications for affected individuals. Understanding the diagnosis, pathogenesis, treatment, and rehabilitation of DFIs is not only a medical necessity but also a matter of critical importance for public health.
A prompt and accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of DFI management. Often, patients may not recognize early signs because neuropathy can dull pain sensations. Clinicians must be vigilant and perform regular foot examinations in patients with diabetes, looking for red flags such as ulcers, calluses, and signs of infection [1].
It is important to correctly diagnose osteomyelitis when treating DFIs. The 2020 Guidelines and Recommendations of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot distinguish between DFI and diabetic foot osteomyelitis and recommend different treatment approaches. Advanced imaging modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear medicine imaging, can help determine the extent of infection and osteomyelitis [2,3].
Woo et al. [4] have summarized the published diagnostic tools for DFI by asking questions and finding answers.
The pathophysiology of DFI is complex. Hyperglycemia leads to nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation (peripheral arterial disease), making the foot susceptible to injury and infection [5,6]. In addition, impaired immune function hinders the body’s ability to fight invading pathogens. Understanding the underlying mechanisms is critical for developing effective treatment strategies.
Kim [7] provided an in-depth review of the pathophysiology of diabetic foot ulcers from the perspectives of metabolism, neuropathy, angiopathy, and the immune system.
The management of DFI requires a multidisciplinary approach. Collaboration among orthopedic surgeons, endocrinologists, infectious disease specialists, plastic surgeons, and vascular surgeons is essential to manage the complexity of these cases.
The removal of infected and dead tissue is a fundamental step in preventing the spread of infection. Targeted antibiotic therapies are commonly used to treat bacterial infections. Tailoring antibiotics to the specific pathogens identified by culture is essential to improve efficacy and reduce antibiotic resistance. In cases of compromised circulation, revascularization procedures, such as angioplasty or bypass surgery, can improve blood flow to the affected area and promote healing. Keeping pressure off the affected foot is critical to prevent further damage and promote healing [8]. Customized orthotics or special shoes may be recommended. In some cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may improve wound healing by increasing oxygen delivery to the tissues [9]. Tight glycemic control is paramount for preventing further complications and promoting overall health.
Kim et al. [10] reviewed both conventional and adjuvant DFI treatments, including dressings with placenta-derived products, sucrose octasulfate-impregnated materials, leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin patches, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and negative-pressure wound therapy.
Rehabilitation is often overlooked as a critical aspect of DFI management. It includes physical therapy, patient education, and psychosocial support. Physical therapy helps patients regain mobility and strength, and education empowers them to manage their condition effectively [11]. Psychosocial support addresses the emotional burden of living with a chronic condition and its associated complications, ensuring that patients maintain a positive outlook during their rehabilitation journey [12].
An et al. [13] reviewed the sequential care of patients with DFIs, including preoperative care, surgery, and postoperative rehabilitation, focusing on moderate and severe cases.
In summary, the diagnosis, pathogenesis, treatment, and rehabilitation of DFIs require a holistic approach that combines medical expertise, patient education, and ongoing research. Emphasizing prevention, early intervention, and comprehensive care can reduce the burden of this debilitating condition on individuals and the healthcare system. DFI is a serious and growing problem; however, with collective effort and innovation, the outcomes and quality of life of people with diabetes can be improved.

Conflicts of interest

Chul Hyun Park has been an editorial board member of Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science since 2020. He was not involved in the review process of this manuscript. There is no other conflicts of interest to declare.

  • 1. Lipsky BA, Berendt AR, Cornia PB, Pile JC, Peters EJ, Armstrong DG, et al. 2012 Infectious Diseases Society of America clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic foot infections. Clin Infect Dis 2012;54:e132–73.ArticlePubMed
  • 2. Donovan A, Schweitzer ME. Use of MR imaging in diagnosing diabetes-related pedal osteomyelitis. Radiographics 2010;30:723–36.ArticlePubMed
  • 3. Lauri C, Glaudemans AWJM, Campagna G, Keidar Z, Muchnik Kurash M, Georga S, et al. Comparison of white blood cell scintigraphy, FDG PET/CT and MRI in suspected diabetic foot infection: results of a large retrospective multicenter study. J Clin Med 2020;9:1645.ArticlePubMedPMC
  • 4. Woo I, Cho SJ, Park CH. State-of-the-art update for diagnosing diabetic foot osteomyelitis: a narrative review. J Yeungnam Med Sci 2023;40:321–7.Article
  • 5. Yagihashi S, Mizukami H, Sugimoto K. Mechanism of diabetic neuropathy: where are we now and where to go? J Diabetes Investig 2011;2:18–32.ArticlePubMedPMC
  • 6. Boulton AJ, Vinik AI, Arezzo JC, Bril V, Feldman EL, Freeman R, et al. Diabetic neuropathies: a statement by the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Care 2005;28:956–62.ArticlePubMed
  • 7. Kim J. The pathophysiology of diabetic foot: a narrative review. J Yeungnam Med Sci 2023;40:328–34.Article
  • 8. Bus SA. The role of pressure offloading on diabetic foot ulcer healing and prevention of recurrence. Plast Reconstr Surg 2016;138(3 Suppl):179S–187S.ArticlePubMed
  • 9. Löndahl M, Katzman P, Nilsson A, Hammarlund C. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy facilitates healing of chronic foot ulcers in patients with diabetes. Diabetes Care 2010;33:998–1003.ArticlePubMedPMCPDF
  • 10. Kim J, Nomkhondorj O, An CY, Choi YC, Cho J. Management of diabetic foot ulcers: a narrative review. J Yeungnam Med Sci 2023;40:335–42.Article
  • 11. Turan Y, Ertugrul BM, Lipsky BA, Bayraktar K. Does physical therapy and rehabilitation improve outcomes for diabetic foot ulcers? World J Exp Med 2015;5:130–9.ArticlePubMedPMC
  • 12. Ahmad A, Abujbara M, Jaddou H, Younes NA, Ajlouni K. Anxiety and depression among adult patients with diabetic foot: prevalence and associated factors. J Clin Med Res 2018;10:411–8.ArticlePubMedPMC
  • 13. An CY, Baek SL, Chun DI. Management and rehabilitation of moderate-to-severe diabetic foot infection: a narrative review. J Yeungnam Med Sci 2023;40:343–51.Article

Figure & Data

References

    Citations

    Citations to this article as recorded by  

      Unveiling the challenges of diabetic foot infections: diagnosis, pathogenesis, treatment, and rehabilitation
      Unveiling the challenges of diabetic foot infections: diagnosis, pathogenesis, treatment, and rehabilitation

      JYMS : Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
      TOP