Technique of percutaneous surgery in the treatment of diabetic foot

Abstract

Objective: The authors present some possibilities to apply percutaneous techniques for the management of diabetic foot conditions. Based on the very recent concepts of minimally invasive surgery, with small incisions, these techniques present lower rate of complications and allow for a faster rehabilitation. Methods: Between 2007 and 2013, 97 patients were submitted to 123 procedures. The time to a definitive diagnosis of diabetes mellitus ranged between 2 to 32 years and the lesions encountered were mainly clay toes, hyperkeratosis, and plantar and dorsal ulcers. All lesions were managed by tenotomies and osteotomies and the operated foot was immobilized in a short and soft bandage in order to allow a controlled accommodation of the fragments until the bone healing. Results: Skin ulcers healed in a mean of 3.5 weeks. All the osteotomies healed in a satisfactory position. A new intervention for a second lesion was necessary in 8.25% of the patients. Conclusion: The application of percutaneous techniques for the management of diabetic conditions on the foot is a good option, presenting a low complication rate and satisfactory results in a great number of patients.