Wounds in diabetic patients

Abstract

Diabetes, in Brasil, affects 10% of the population over 40 years of age Among the serious complications, those on the lower extremities are the majority (40 to 70%). Microangiopathy affects the small vessels the blood supply of nerves, the vasa nervorum and causes the peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy. Neuropathic process enhances osseous deformities on the the foot, which increase plantar pressures in an insensitive foot, ending in ulcerations. Since 1988 the development of the Pressure Specified Sensory Device™ - PSSD turn out to be a single device able to quantify thresholds of pressure, necessary for the patient to feel one or two points tested, statically and in movement. We can now better access the sensitive deficit on the diabetic patients and plan appropriate prevention measures. Treatment of the diabetic wound involves ischemia control, if necessary and surgical debridement in order to remove necrotic tissues. The new developed vacuum system helps the reduction of edema, enhance blood perfusion to the wound and granulation tissue growth providing faster bed preparation and earlier surgical repair usually with skin grafts