Effectiveness of Off-Loading Devices in Patients With Active Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Systematic Review

Abstract

A systematic review of the effectiveness of off-loading in the diabetic foot was done. Searches were conducted in October 2022 using the PubMed and Scielo databases. Randomized clinical trials or controlled clinical trials were included. Two authors performed the study selection and data extraction, and any discrepancies between the 2 reviewers were resolved through discussion with a third reviewer. Fourteen papers met the selection criteria with 822 patients included, but the sample sizes in all studies were small. Most of the published studies were done in European countries. Total contact cast was the most effective off-loading. The present review studies the effectiveness of off-loading systems in patients with diabetic foot ulcer, as well as different off-loading methods, with total contact cast proving to be the gold standard, despite its adverse effects.