Metatarsal head resection for diabetic foot ulcers

Area of Science:

• Podiatric surgery
• Diabetic foot complications

Background:

• Chronic neuropathic ulcers are a common complication in diabetic patients.
• Ulcers beneath the metatarsophalangeal joints present a significant treatment challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of metatarsal head resection for chronic neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers.
• To assess healing times, recurrence rates, and complications associated with the procedure.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 25 diabetic patients undergoing 34 metatarsal head resections.
• Ulcers were located on the plantar surface beneath metatarsophalangeal joints.
• Follow-up data collected on healing, recurrence, and complications.

Main Results:

• All ulcers healed within a mean of 2.4 months postoperatively.
• No ulcer recurrences were observed during a mean follow-up of 13.8 months.
• Comorbidities like peripheral vascular disease did not impede healing; complications were minimal (infection, hematoma).

Conclusions:

• Metatarsal head resection is a recommended surgical option for healing chronic diabetic foot ulcers.
• The procedure demonstrates high success rates with low complication rates.
• It offers a viable solution for recalcitrant ulcers in diabetic patients.