.png)
Case Series/Study
More than 73,000 amputations are performed in diabetic patients annually in the USA. Approximately 50%-70% of these lower limb amputations occur in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) especially those with exposed bone, tendon, muscle and/or joint capsule, gangrene, and infection.
Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 3 patients with complex, non-healing DFUs that were subsequently treated with debridement and adjunctive Cryopreserved Umbilical Amnion (UC) in the operating room. Change in wound size overtime and number of UC applications was assessed.
Results:
Three patients (2 Female, 1 Male; aged 56 ± 7.2 years) presented with complex, infected DFUs on the dorsum of the foot. Below knee amputation was recommended by other physicians. Debridement with adjunctive UC placement was performed uneventfully. Post-op, granulation tissue formation was observed in all three cases over previously exposed underlying tissue. Split thickness skin grafts were then applied in 2 cases at 1 and 2 months. Complete wound closure without any minor or major amputation was achieved.
Discussion: This case series demonstrates successful limb salvage using adjunctive UC in patients with complex, non-healing DFUs of which the depth with bone exposure, gangrene and infection.
Trademarked Items: Neox 1K
References: