Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026

A Simplified Technique for Producing an Ischemic Wound Model
Published on: May 2, 2012
Use of pressure offloading devices in diabetic foot ulcers: do we practice what we preach?
Stephanie C Wu1, Jeffrey L Jensen, Anna K Weber
1Scholl's Center for Lower-Extremity Ambulatory Research, Rosalind Franklin Universityof Medicine and Science, North Chicago, Illinois, USA. stephanie.wu@rosalindfranklin.edu
Objective:
Pressure mitigation is crucial for the healing of plantar diabetic foot ulcers. We therefore discuss characteristics and considerations associated with the use of offloading devices.
Research Design And Methods:
A diabetic foot ulcer management survey was sent to foot clinics in all 50 states and the District of Columbia in 2005. A total of 901 geographically diverse centers responded. The survey recorded information regarding usage frequency and characteristics of assessment and treatment of diabetic foot ulcers in each center.
Results:
Of the 895 respondents who treat diabetic foot ulcers, shoe modifications (41.2%, P < 0.03) were the most common form of pressure mitigation, whereas total contact casts were used by only 1.7% of the centers.
Conclusions:
This study reports the usage and characteristics of offloading devices in the care of diabetic foot ulcers in a broadly distributed geographic sample. Less than 2% of specialists use what has been termed the "gold standard" (total contact cast) for treating the majority of diabetic foot ulcers.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Diabetic Neuropathy