Comparison of strategies for reducing pressure at the site of neuropathic ulcers

John G. Fleischli, Lawrence A. Lavery, Steven A. Vela, Hisham Ashry, David C. Lavery

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

84 Scopus citations

Abstract

Few scientific data are available on the effectiveness of commonly used modalities for reducing pressure at the site of neuropathic ulcers in persons with diabetes mellitus. The authors' aim was to compare the effectiveness of total contact casts, half-shoes, rigid-soled postoperative shoes, accommodative dressings made of felt and polyethylene foam, and removable walking casts in reducing peak plantar foot pressures at the site of neuropathic ulcerations in diabetics. Using an inshoe pressure-measurement system, data from 32 midgait steps were collected for each treatment. There was a consistent pattern in the devices' effectiveness in reducing foot pressures at ulcer sites under the great toe and ball of the foot. Removable walking casts were as effective as or more effective than total contact casts. Half-shoes were consistently the third most effective modality, followed by accommodative dressings and rigid-soled postoperative shoes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)466-472
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of the American Podiatric Medical Association
Volume87
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1997

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Podiatry
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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