The Diabetic Foot: Medical and Surgical Management

Diabetic foot disease afflicts nearly two million Americans and is the main cause of hospitalization for the diabetic patient, representing a substantial financial burden on both the health-care system and society-at-large. In The Diabetic Foot: Medical and Surgical Management, a distinguished panel of clinicians-many practicing at the famous Joslin-Beth Israel Deaconess Foot Center-illuminate the successful new multidisciplinary approach now clearly required for the successful treatment of this medical problem. Drawing on the experiences of diabetologists, podiatrists, vascular surgeons, infectious disease specialists, orthotists, and plastic and orthopedic surgeons, the book clearly describes established techniques known to be effective. Also highlighted are the many emerging treatments that will affect diabetic foot care in the years ahead, including a new understanding of wound-healing pathophysiology and the recent introduction of growth factors and living skin equivalents. Throughout, the emphasis is on the prevention of foot ulceration and its management using a multidisciplinary approach. Comprehensive and highly practical, The Diabetic Foot: Medical and Surgical Management will help all members of the diabetic foot treatment team not only to more fully understand the relevant pathophysiology, but also to prepare state-of-the-art treatment plans for diabetic patients with foot problems or at risk for developing them.