Transform diabetic foot ulcer

Clinical history

58-year-old male with a history of Type II diabetes, heart failure and retinopathy.

The patient initially presented with plantar 5th metatarsophalangeal joint ulceration which then deteriorated. They were admitted and given I.V. antibiotics. Osteomyelitis led to the 5th Ray of the right foot being amputated.

Treatment

5cc STIMULAN mixed with antibiotic was packed into the wound and the patient was transferred to the Diabetic Foot Clinic (DFC) for follow up.

At 4 weeks, the wound was very sloughy and debrided to bone in clinic. STIMULAN beads were salvaged where possible.

Due to a cavity over cuboid, STIMULAN beads were loaded at 6 weeks. The patient was seen weekly and additional STIMULAN beads were loaded into the wound at 9 weeks.

At 12 weeks, the wound had significantly improved and there was only moderate exudate. The wound had reduced in size and was granulating.

The wound continued to improve and the patient had regular dressings with episodes of being admitted for other health problems.

Outcome

At 7 months, the wound had almost closed and the patient and healthcare professionals were happy with the outcome.