Hybrid Regenerative Therapy for Successful Reconstruction of an Infected Traumatized Diabetic Foot Wound

Abstract

Summary: Diabetic foot ulcers are a significant complication of diabetes, affecting millions globally, and require appropriate antibiotics, surgical debridement, wound care, and metabolic optimization for management. This article presents an innovative hybrid regenerative therapy for reconstructing an infected, traumatized foot wound of a 62-year-old man with diabetes mellitus who presented with a week-old injury after a car accident. At presentation, he had a 14 × 10 cm dorsal foot wound with skin necrosis, pus discharge, and bony instability owing to partial fractures and joint dislocations. Antibiotics were administered to treat multidrug-resistant bacteria and followed by surgical debridement and the application of a portable Velnext negative pressure wound therapy device. Once the wound condition stabilized, hybrid regenerative therapy was performed weekly. Six milliliters platelet-rich plasma and 6 mL platelet-poor plasma were prepared from 27 mL of venous blood mixed with 3 mL sodium citrate and injected into the tendons, soft-tissues, and muscles. Next, the exposed bones and tendons were covered with platelet-rich fibrin and semi-occlusive membranes, and a Velnext negative pressure wound therapy device was applied over them. The wound improved progressively during the subsequent 6 weeks and was finally covered with a split-skin graft. The patient had a successful 18-month postoperative period until now with stable grafts, anatomical restoration, and excellent foot functionality. Thus, hybrid regenerative therapy, encompassing several prevalent methods for healing wounds, has excellent benefits for treating complex diabetic foot ulcers.