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Review
. 2023 Mar 16;11(8):1684-1693.
doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i8.1684.

Diabetic foot ulcer: A comprehensive review of pathophysiology and management modalities

Joel M Raja  1 , Miguel A Maturana  2 , Sharif Kayali  2 , Amir Khouzam  2 , Nephertiti Efeovbokhan  3
Affiliations
Review

Diabetic foot ulcer: A comprehensive review of pathophysiology and management modalities

Joel M Raja et al. World J Clin Cases. .

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a debilitating and severe manifestation of uncontrolled and prolonged diabetes that presents as ulceration, usually located on the plantar aspect of the foot. Approximately 15% of individuals with diabetes will eventually develop DFU, and 14%-24% of them will require amputation of the ulcerated foot due to bone infection or other ulcer-related complications. The pathologic mechanisms underlying DFU are comprise a triad: Neuropathy, vascular insufficiency, and secondary infection due to trauma of the foot. Standard local and invasive care along with novel approaches like stem cell therapy pave the way to reduce morbidity, decrease amputations, and prevent mortality from DFU. In this manuscript, we review the current literature with focus on the pathophysiology, preventive options, and definitive management of DFU.

Keywords: Antibiotics; Cell therapy; Diabetes; Foot; Revascularization; Ulcer.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors state that there are no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Pathophysiology of diabetic foot ulceration.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Overview of management of diabetic foot ulceration.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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