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Plantar pressure changes using a novel negative pressure wound therapy technique
David G Armstrong1, Kristin Kunze, Billy R Martin
1Department of Surgery, Podiatry Section, Southern Arizona Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tucson, USA.
Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association
|September 21, 2004
Summary
A novel negative pressure bridging technique combined with a cast walker effectively off-loads diabetic foot wounds. This approach may allow patient mobility while utilizing negative pressure wound therapy.
Area of Science:
- Podiatry
- Biomedical Engineering
- Wound Care
Background:
- Diabetic foot ulcers are a significant complication of diabetes.
- Effective off-loading is crucial for healing diabetic foot wounds.
- Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) shows promise in wound healing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate plantar pressures in diabetic patients with foot ulcers using a novel NPWT bridging technique and a removable cast walker.
- To assess the efficacy of this combined device in off-loading pressure from ulcer sites.
Main Methods:
- Ten diabetic patients with foot ulcers participated.
- Plantar pressures were measured with and without the novel device using two pressure measurement systems.
- Off-loading was achieved using a pressure-relief walker.
- Peak focal pressure at ulcer sites was recorded during gait.
Main Results:
- The pressure-relief walker significantly reduced barefoot pressure (74.6%).
- The combined NPWT device increased pressure by 9.9% compared to the walker alone, which was only 2% of initial barefoot pressure.
- The combined device did not impart undue additional stress to the plantar foot.
Conclusions:
- A modified NPWT dressing with a removable cast walker can effectively off-load diabetic foot wounds.
- This approach may allow for patient mobility and potentially reduce hospital stays.
- The combination therapy provides NPWT benefits without compromising off-loading effectiveness.