Closure of major diabetic foot wounds and defects with external fixation

Amputation may become unavoidable in certain cases of severe ischemia, infection, or lower extremity ulcerations. When limb salvage procedures are indicated and available in diabetic patients, they will strongly support patient quality of life and prevent further complications when patients are educated appropriately. The authors describe their technique for limb salvage procedures based on a combination of an MRI-guided debridement of necrotic tissues, application of an antibiotic-impregnated bone cement, and closure of the soft tissue and bone defects with the use of an external fixation device.