Journal of Foot and Ankle Research | Article collections

Submit a manuscript Register Contact us Follow
BioMed Central Support

Explore journal

Advertisement

Articles

The Diabetic Foot

Edited by: Mr Peter Lazzarini, Prof Hylton Menz

Collection published: 1 October 2012

Last updated: 25 March 2013

Diabetic Foot Diabetes results in significant morbidity and mortality, and is at epidemic levels worldwide. Foot disease (usually foot ulceration) is a leading cause of diabetes hospitalisation and amputation. Alarmingly, 1.5 million people worldwide experience a lower limb amputation (one every 20 seconds) and over 4 million suffer with foot ulcers due to diabetes each year. A significant body of existing international research demonstrates effective clinical management of diabetes foot disease can prevent up to 90% of hospitalisations and amputations. In support of the Australasian Podiatry Council’s Foot Health Month campaign Sock it to Diabetes in October 2012, we have selected some of the best diabetic foot research papers recently published in the journal to create this special article collection. We hope that this collection will contribute to the existing international research momentum to find treatments and cures for the great global challenge of diabetes foot disease.

		Research Neuropathic midfoot deformity: associations with ankle and subtalar joint motion David R Sinacore, David J Gutekunst, Mary K Hastings, Michael J Strube, Kathryn L Bohnert, Fred W Prior, Jeffrey E Johnson Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2013, 6:11 (25 March 2013) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| ePUB \| PubMed
		Commentary Australian Diabetes Foot Network: practical guideline on the provision of footwear for people with diabetes Shan M Bergin, Vanessa L Nube, Jan B Alford, Bernard P Allard, Joel M Gurr, Emma L Holland, Mark W Horsley, Maarten C Kamp, Peter A Lazzarini, Ashim K Sinha, Jason T Warnock, Paul R Wraight Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2013, 6:6 (26 February 2013) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Research The effect of flexor tenotomy on healing and prevention of neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers on the distal end of the toe Jaap J van Netten, Adriaan Bril, Jeff G van Baal Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2013, 6:3 (24 January 2013) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary A review of 38 diabetic toe ulcers treated with flexor tenotomy found that 35 ulcers (92%) healed, with a mean healing time of 22 +/- 26 days. However, infected ulcers took significantly longer to heal (35 days).
		Methodology A novel approach to mapping load transfer from the plantar surface of the foot to the walls of the total contact cast: a proof of concept study Lindy Begg, Patrick McLaughlin, Leon Manning, Mauro Vicaretti, John Fletcher, Joshua Burns Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2012, 5:32 (13 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary A method to quantify the loading of the walls of the total contact cast using pressure sensor strips is described. This method may be useful for future studies assessing the offloading properties of the total contact cast in people with diabetic foot ulceration.
		Research A comparison of customised and prefabricated insoles to reduce risk factors for neuropathic diabetic foot ulceration: a participant-blinded randomised controlled trial Joanne S Paton, Elizabeth A Stenhouse, Graham Bruce, Daniel Zahra, Ray B Jones Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2012, 5:31 (5 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Custom-made insoles are more expensive than prefabricated insoles and no better in reducing peak pressure in people with diabetic neuropathy. However, the custom-made insole was slightly more effective than the prefabricated insole in reducing forefoot pressure time integral at issue and 6-month follow-up.
		Commentary Diabetic foot disease in the United Kingdom: about time to put feet first Alistair D McInnes Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2012, 5:26 (11 October 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Alistair McInnes reviews the quality of diabetic foot care in the United Kingdom, and suggests several areas for improvement.
		Research Reduction of peak plantar pressure in people with diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy: an evaluation of the DH Pressure Relief Shoe™ Anita Raspovic, Karl B Landorf, Jana Gazarek, Megan Stark Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2012, 5:25 (1 October 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Using in-shoe plantar pressure measurement technology, Raspovic and colleagues show that the DH Pressure Relief ShoeTM decreases plantar pressures by 51% compared to a control shoe and by 43% compared to participants' own shoes.
		Commentary Diabetes foot disease: the Cinderella of Australian diabetes management? Peter A Lazzarini, Joel M Gurr, Joseph R Rogers, Andrew Schox, Shan M Bergin Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2012, 5:24 (1 October 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary To kick off Foot Health Month in Australia, Lazzarini et al explore Australia's diabetes amputation rate, one of the worst in the developed world, and why equivalent funding in evidence-based care would be an investment.
		Research Interrater and intrarater reliability of photoplethysmography for measuring toe blood pressure and toe-brachial index in people with diabetes mellitus Christopher Scanlon, Kris Park, David Mapletoft, Lindy Begg, Joshua Burns Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2012, 5:13 (7 June 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Interrater and intrarater reliability of photoplethysmography is excellent for measuring toe blood pressure, good for toe-brachial index but only fair for brachial pressures in people with diabetes mellitus.
		Research What are the key conditions associated with lower limb amputations in a major Australian teaching hospital? Peter A Lazzarini, Sharon R O’Rourke, Anthony W Russell, Damien Clark, Suzanne S Kuys Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2012, 5:12 (30 May 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary An audit of lower extremity amputation cases performed at the Princess Alexandra Hospital (Brisbane, Australia) between July 2006 and June 2007 indicates that people undergoing amputation are more likely to be older, male and have diabetes.
		Research Comparison of shoe-length fit between people with and without diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a case–control study Alistair D McInnes, Farina Hashmi, Lisa J Farndon, Amanda Church, Maria Haley, Debora M Sanger, Wesley Vernon Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2012, 5:9 (16 April 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary A significant proportion of people with and without diabetes wear shoes that are either too long or too short for their foot length.
		Research The foot-health of people with diabetes in a regional Australian population: a prospective clinical audit Byron M Perrin, Marcus J Gardner, Susan R Kennett Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2012, 5:6 (8 March 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary An audit of 576 patients with diabetes in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia shows that publically funded podiatric services of this large regional area of Australia deal with a disproportionally large number of people with diabetes at high risk of future diabetes-related foot complications.
		Review Safety and efficacy of tinea pedis and onychomycosis treatment in people with diabetes: a systematic review Lisa Matricciani, Kerwin Talbot, Sara Jones Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2011, 4:26 (4 December 2011) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary A systematic review of 6 trials indicates that there is good evidence (Level II) to suggest oral terbinafine is as safe and effective as itraconazole therapy for the treatment of onychomycosis in people with diabetes.
		Research The impact of socio-economic disadvantage on rates of hospital separations for diabetes-related foot disease in Victoria, Australia Shan M Bergin, Caroline A Brand, Peter G Colman, Don A Campbell Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2011, 4:17 (20 June 2011) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary This award-winning paper from the 2011 Australasian Podiatry Conference indicates that foot ulceration and below-knee amputation rates are significantly higher in areas of relative socio-economic disadvantage.
		Research Is simulation training effective in increasing podiatrists' confidence in foot ulcer management? Peter A Lazzarini, Elizabeth L Mackenroth, Patricia M Régo, Frances M Boyle, Scott Jen, Ewan M Kinnear, Graham M PerryHaines, Maarten Kamp Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2011, 4:16 (5 June 2011) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary A mixed modality clinical simulation training program improved participants' confidence, knowledge and satisfaction in the management of foot ulcers.

		Research Neuropathic midfoot deformity: associations with ankle and subtalar joint motion David R Sinacore, David J Gutekunst, Mary K Hastings, Michael J Strube, Kathryn L Bohnert, Fred W Prior, Jeffrey E Johnson Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2013, 6:11 (25 March 2013) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| ePUB \| PubMed
		Commentary Australian Diabetes Foot Network: practical guideline on the provision of footwear for people with diabetes Shan M Bergin, Vanessa L Nube, Jan B Alford, Bernard P Allard, Joel M Gurr, Emma L Holland, Mark W Horsley, Maarten C Kamp, Peter A Lazzarini, Ashim K Sinha, Jason T Warnock, Paul R Wraight Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2013, 6:6 (26 February 2013) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Research The effect of flexor tenotomy on healing and prevention of neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers on the distal end of the toe Jaap J van Netten, Adriaan Bril, Jeff G van Baal Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2013, 6:3 (24 January 2013) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary A review of 38 diabetic toe ulcers treated with flexor tenotomy found that 35 ulcers (92%) healed, with a mean healing time of 22 +/- 26 days. However, infected ulcers took significantly longer to heal (35 days).
		Methodology A novel approach to mapping load transfer from the plantar surface of the foot to the walls of the total contact cast: a proof of concept study Lindy Begg, Patrick McLaughlin, Leon Manning, Mauro Vicaretti, John Fletcher, Joshua Burns Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2012, 5:32 (13 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary A method to quantify the loading of the walls of the total contact cast using pressure sensor strips is described. This method may be useful for future studies assessing the offloading properties of the total contact cast in people with diabetic foot ulceration.
		Research A comparison of customised and prefabricated insoles to reduce risk factors for neuropathic diabetic foot ulceration: a participant-blinded randomised controlled trial Joanne S Paton, Elizabeth A Stenhouse, Graham Bruce, Daniel Zahra, Ray B Jones Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2012, 5:31 (5 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Custom-made insoles are more expensive than prefabricated insoles and no better in reducing peak pressure in people with diabetic neuropathy. However, the custom-made insole was slightly more effective than the prefabricated insole in reducing forefoot pressure time integral at issue and 6-month follow-up.
		Commentary Diabetic foot disease in the United Kingdom: about time to put feet first Alistair D McInnes Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2012, 5:26 (11 October 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Alistair McInnes reviews the quality of diabetic foot care in the United Kingdom, and suggests several areas for improvement.
		Research Reduction of peak plantar pressure in people with diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy: an evaluation of the DH Pressure Relief Shoe™ Anita Raspovic, Karl B Landorf, Jana Gazarek, Megan Stark Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2012, 5:25 (1 October 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Using in-shoe plantar pressure measurement technology, Raspovic and colleagues show that the DH Pressure Relief ShoeTM decreases plantar pressures by 51% compared to a control shoe and by 43% compared to participants' own shoes.
		Commentary Diabetes foot disease: the Cinderella of Australian diabetes management? Peter A Lazzarini, Joel M Gurr, Joseph R Rogers, Andrew Schox, Shan M Bergin Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2012, 5:24 (1 October 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary To kick off Foot Health Month in Australia, Lazzarini et al explore Australia's diabetes amputation rate, one of the worst in the developed world, and why equivalent funding in evidence-based care would be an investment.
		Research Interrater and intrarater reliability of photoplethysmography for measuring toe blood pressure and toe-brachial index in people with diabetes mellitus Christopher Scanlon, Kris Park, David Mapletoft, Lindy Begg, Joshua Burns Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2012, 5:13 (7 June 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Interrater and intrarater reliability of photoplethysmography is excellent for measuring toe blood pressure, good for toe-brachial index but only fair for brachial pressures in people with diabetes mellitus.
		Research What are the key conditions associated with lower limb amputations in a major Australian teaching hospital? Peter A Lazzarini, Sharon R O’Rourke, Anthony W Russell, Damien Clark, Suzanne S Kuys Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2012, 5:12 (30 May 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary An audit of lower extremity amputation cases performed at the Princess Alexandra Hospital (Brisbane, Australia) between July 2006 and June 2007 indicates that people undergoing amputation are more likely to be older, male and have diabetes.
		Research Comparison of shoe-length fit between people with and without diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a case–control study Alistair D McInnes, Farina Hashmi, Lisa J Farndon, Amanda Church, Maria Haley, Debora M Sanger, Wesley Vernon Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2012, 5:9 (16 April 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary A significant proportion of people with and without diabetes wear shoes that are either too long or too short for their foot length.
		Research The foot-health of people with diabetes in a regional Australian population: a prospective clinical audit Byron M Perrin, Marcus J Gardner, Susan R Kennett Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2012, 5:6 (8 March 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary An audit of 576 patients with diabetes in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia shows that publically funded podiatric services of this large regional area of Australia deal with a disproportionally large number of people with diabetes at high risk of future diabetes-related foot complications.
		Review Safety and efficacy of tinea pedis and onychomycosis treatment in people with diabetes: a systematic review Lisa Matricciani, Kerwin Talbot, Sara Jones Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2011, 4:26 (4 December 2011) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary A systematic review of 6 trials indicates that there is good evidence (Level II) to suggest oral terbinafine is as safe and effective as itraconazole therapy for the treatment of onychomycosis in people with diabetes.
		Research The impact of socio-economic disadvantage on rates of hospital separations for diabetes-related foot disease in Victoria, Australia Shan M Bergin, Caroline A Brand, Peter G Colman, Don A Campbell Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2011, 4:17 (20 June 2011) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary This award-winning paper from the 2011 Australasian Podiatry Conference indicates that foot ulceration and below-knee amputation rates are significantly higher in areas of relative socio-economic disadvantage.
		Research Is simulation training effective in increasing podiatrists' confidence in foot ulcer management? Peter A Lazzarini, Elizabeth L Mackenroth, Patricia M Régo, Frances M Boyle, Scott Jen, Ewan M Kinnear, Graham M PerryHaines, Maarten Kamp Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2011, 4:16 (5 June 2011) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary A mixed modality clinical simulation training program improved participants' confidence, knowledge and satisfaction in the management of foot ulcers.