Abstract - Location of plantar ulcerations in diabetic patients referred to a Department of Veterans Affairs podiatry clinic

Logo for the Journal of Rehab R&D
Volume 43 Number 4, July/August 2006
Pages 421 — 426

Abstract - Location of plantar ulcerations in diabetic patients referred to a Department of Veterans Affairs podiatry clinic

Karen L. Perell, PhD, RKT;1-2* Vincent Merrill, PhD;1 Aksone Nouvong, DPM2

1Departments of Kinesiology and Health Science, California State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, CA; 2Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, West Los Angeles Healthcare Center, Los Angeles, CA

Abstract — This study described the location of foot ulcerations via a retrospective chart review of diabetic patients in a Department of Veterans Affairs podiatry clinic and correlated location of ulceration with specific medical parameters. The heel was a site of ulceration in 11% of the patients. By multiple logistic regression, patients with diminished vascular function were more than five times more likely to have heel ulceration than patients with adequate vascular status. The findings suggest that heel ulcerations are more common than originally thought and are associated with diminished vascular status. Further work is necessary for reducing plantar heel pressure in individuals who are not presently candidates for vascular interventions.

Key words: ambulatory status, chart review, diabetes, heel, metatarsal heads, multiple ulcerations, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, plantar ulceration, rehabilitation, retrospective study.

→