Diabetic foot and foot debridement technique

Surgical foot debridement is widely practised in diabetic foot care. Although minor debridement could be done at the bedside with or without local anaesthesia, more extensive debridement would require regional or general anaesthesia in operating theatres. Delayed surgery could increase the risk of limb loss and mortality. The International Working Group of the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) or the Infectious Diseases Society of America classifications could be used to assist management of the diabetic foot sepsis. A detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the foot is required to achieve the best outcome. Complications of diabetes and any amputation further disrupts the biomechanics of the diabetic foot and increases the risk of transfer ulceration. Foot biomechanics should be considered while debridement and reconstructive techniques employed, although adequate debridement should not be compromised.