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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2004; 112(4): 191-194
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-817932
Article

J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Effects of Ulcer Size on the Wound Radius Reductions and Healing Times in Neuropathic Diabetic Foot Ulcers

S. Zimny1 , H. Schatz2 , M. Pfohl1
  • 1EVK Bethesda of Duisburg, Teaching Hospital of the Heinrich-Heine-University of Duesseldorf, Department for Internal Medicine, Duisburg, Germany
  • 2Berufsgenossenschaftliche Kliniken Bergmannsheil, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University of Bochum, Department for Internal Medicine, Bochum, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Received: March 11, 2003 First decision: May 23, 2003

Accepted: October 6, 2003

Publication Date:
04 May 2004 (online)

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Abstract

The main problems in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers are prolonged wound healing and not necessary amputations, which may sometimes be caused by the impression that the results of conservative treatment are somewhat unpredictable. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of ulcer size on the wound radius reduction and healing times using a previously established equation for wound healing in neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers.

This prospective study evaluates wound healing in 120 diabetic patients with neuropathic foot ulcers who were grouped according to four different ulcer areas (A ≤ 100 mm2, B > 100 ≤ 150 mm2, C > 150 ≤ 200 mm2, and D > 200 mm2). Ulcer healing was assessed by planimetric measurement of the wound area every second week until wound healing. The time course of wound healing in the different groups was compared by the weekly wound radius reduction using the equation R = sqrt {A/pi } .

The average healing time in group A was 70 (95 %-CI 64 - 77) days with a wound radius reduction of 0.42 mm/week (95 %-CI 0.28 - 0.56). In group B the average healing time was 79 (95 %-CI 75 - 82) days and the weekly wound radius reduction was 0.47 mm (95 %-CI 0.45 - 0.49). The average healing time in group C was 85 (95 %-CI 80 - 89) days with a wound radius reduction of 0.53 mm/week (95 %-CI 0.42 - 0.56). In group D the average healing time was 97 (95 %-CI 91 - 103) days. The weekly wound radius reduction was 0.57 mm (95 %-CI 0.49 - 0.81).

Wound radius reductions and the time needed for healing are affected by the ulcer area, a measure of ulcer size, in neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers. The calculation of the weekly wound radius reduction for different ulcer areas may be a useful tool in daily clinical practice to identify ulcers who do not respond adequately to the treatment.

Key words

Diabetic foot ulcer - ulcer area - healing time - wound radius - neuropathy

References

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Dr. med. Stefan Zimny

EVK Bethesda of Duisburg
Teaching Hospital of the Heinrich-Heine-University of Duesseldorf
Department of Internal Medicine

Heerstrasse 219

47053 Duisburg

Germany

Phone: + 49(0)20360080

Fax: + 49 (0) 2 03 60 08 13 99

Email: Stefan.Zimny@ruhr-uni-bochum.de