Diabetic Foot Risk Category 5: Infected Diabetic Foot
Summary of clinical findings:
- patient diagnosed with diabetes mellitus
- sensation absent
- no clinical signs of lower extremity ischemia
- normal noninvasive vascular exam values
- infected wound
- Charcot's arthropathy (diabetic neuropathic osteoarthropathy) may or may not be present
Treatment guidelines:
- same as Diabetic Foot Risk Category 4A, plus:
- debridement of infected necrotic tissue and bone
- possible hospitalization
- antibiotic therapy
- medical management
- contact casting generally contraindicated until Diabetic Foot Risk Category drops to 4
(Reference: Treatment-based classification system for assessment and care of diabetic feet. JAPMA, 86:7, 1996.)
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