Transcutaneous oxygen tension in the dysvascular foot with infection

Eight adult insulin-requiring diabetics with peripheral vascular disease were admitted with foot infection and signs of systemic sepsis. Transcutaneous oxygen tension was measured at the foot and ankle prior to surgery. None of the values were sufficient to support wound healing. Four of the patients underwent open ray resection and four open midfoot amputation. After resolution of the local infections, transcutaneous oxygen tensions were repeated. Seven of the eight patients exhibited an appreciable increase in the value following decompression of the foot infection, sufficient to support wound healing.