ECE2023 Eposter Presentations Diabetes, Obesity, Metabolism and Nutrition (355 abstracts)
1Taher Sfar Hospital, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mahdia, Tunisia; 2Ibn El Jazzar Hospital, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kairouan, Tunisia
Introduction: Diabetic foot is a public health problem. It can cause serious complications leading to amputation. Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is the main factor of ulcerations. Plantar hyperpressure is an aggravating factor.
Aim: The aim of our study was to screen for various deformities of the diabetic foot through podoscopic evaluation.
Patients and Methods: We conducted a bicentric cross sectional study over a three month period including diabetic patients. Detail history including socio demographic data, characteristics of diabetes and the follow-up story were collected. Podiatric examination was performed using a tangential lighting podoscope.
Results: We included 150 patients. Their mean age was 56.91±12.6 years with a range of 20 to 86 years. Half of patients were using oral medications, 28% were using insulin therapy and 21.3% were using both oral and insulin therapies. Diabetic neuropathy was found in 32.7% of the population. The podiatric examination revealed plantar hyperkeratosis in 84% of patients, dry skin in 46% and mycotic lesions in 27.3%. Plantar perforation was noted in 2 patients, and toe amputation in 4 patients. The main hyper pressure zone found was regarding the second metatarsal head (52%). Foot orthotics were prescribed in 18% of patients.
Conclusion: Podiatric examination is essential to detect areas with hyper pressure at risk of hyperkerathosis and plantar perforation. It allows preventive measures, including devices to reduce hyperpressure and prevent complications.