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[Heel necrosis: a complication of geriatric diseases (author's transl)]
Insights
Heel necrosis in geriatric patients is strongly linked to immobility, arterial occlusive disease, and diabetes. These conditions significantly increase the risk of developing heel necrosis in elderly individuals.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Vascular Surgery
- Diabetology
Context:
- Heel necrosis presents a significant clinical challenge in geriatric populations.
- Understanding multifactorial etiologies is crucial for effective prevention and management.
Purpose:
- To investigate the potential risk factors contributing to heel necrosis in geriatric patients.
- To identify correlations between immobility, arterial occlusive disease, diabetes, and heel necrosis.
Summary:
- A study of 596 geriatric patients revealed 12 cases of heel necrosis.
- Immobility was present in all cases; arterial occlusive disease and diabetes were also prevalent.
- Arterial occlusive disease and diabetes showed significantly higher prevalence in the heel necrosis group compared to the general hospital cohort.
Impact:
- Identifies immobility, arterial occlusive disease, and diabetes as key risk factors for heel necrosis in the elderly.
- Informs clinical practice for risk assessment and targeted interventions in geriatric patients.
- Highlights the importance of managing vascular and metabolic conditions to prevent heel necrosis.
Abstract:
12 heel necroses were seen in a group of 596 geriatric patients. The patients average age was 73 years. 3 tentative causes for the development of heel necrosis were investigated. 1. Imobility, 2. Arterial occlusive disease, and 3. Diabetes. Immobility was demonstrable in all cases. Additionally, arterial occlusions of the leg were present in 7 and diabetes in 6 patients. The percentage of arterial occlusion and diabetes was significantly higher in the heel necrosis group than in the overall hospital cohort. The two diseases can be looked upon as risk factors for the development of heel necrosis.