Abstract
Introduction The mobilization of patients with diabetic foot syndrome after surgical treatment
by debridement or partial amputation is usually difficult in daily practice and in
inpatient care.
Aim and Method A case report – with a representative case showing the innovative possibilities of
an alternative mobilization option by means of a new orthesis (“iWALK 2.0®”; IWALKFree® Inc., Mansfield, Ontario, Canada) after surgical therapy of diabetic gangrene, exemplified
by the successful clinical course.
Results The inpatient admission of a 59-year-old male patient revealed septic gangrene of
the right foot in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. After admission and initial
diagnosis, the calculated antibiotics therapy and initial surgical rehabilitation
of the right foot took place. After stabilization and control of the infection, the
minor amputation was performed at the Bona-Jäger line without primary wound closure,
wound care was provided by vacuum sealing. Complicated by pre-existing peroneal paralysis
of the contralateral leg following herniated disc, mobilization could be accomplished
out of the wheelchair using a novel “free-hand” orthesis “iWALK 2.0” and a walker
with physiotherapeutic support. Thus, while simultaneously relieving the operated
foot, self-sufficient mobilization at a later time was possible. This gave the patient
a positive attitude to life in addition to more independence.
Conclusion The successful application of the “free-hand” site “iWALK 2.0” under the listed clinical
constellation thus suggests that it is a clear alternative of “postoperative rehabilitation”
in the diagnosis of a surgically treated diabetic foot gangrene after minor amputation
with a consolidated wound while ultimately serving to achieve a more comprehensive
level of experience for targeted use with a clearly defined indication.
Key words
alternative mobilization - novel orthesis - diabetic gangrene - “iWALK 2.0
®”
