Nabil Al-Kayssi
University of Alberta, Canada
Title: Diabetic Foot infections, A practical approach for assessment and management
Biography
Biography: Nabil Al-Kayssi
Abstract
It is well known that one of major complications of diabetes is foot infection, which is defined as ‘soft tissue or bone infection below the malleoli’. It is the most common complication of diabetes mellitus leading to hospitalization and the most frequent cause of non-â€traumatic lower extremity amputation. Diabetic foot infections are diagnosed clinically based on the presence of at least two classic findings of inflammation or purulence. Infections are classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Most diabetic foot infections are polymicrobial. This type of infections are serious as most of the patients ignores them until get more serious as the patient usually does not feel any pain or feel minimal pain due to peripheral neuropathy and vasculopathy. In this presentation I will shed a light on this very important and serious diabetic complication and practical methods for management. The presentation will discuss the following points: (1) Clinical assessment of infected foot in diabetic patients and whether it is cellulitis, infected ulcer, septic arthritis and/or osteomyelitis. (2) Investigations, including blood and diagnostic imaging help in reaching the diagnosis. (3) The most common pathogens causes foot infections and appropriate selection and use of antibiotics. (4) Appropriate selection and use of the type of dressing suitable for each wound and infection. (5) When to seek orthopaedic consultation to consider amputation.