Osteoclasis for the Treatment of Recalcitrant Diabetic Forefoot Ulceration

Abstract

Recurrence after diabetic foot ulceration is a common occurrence after healing. Curative surgery has been suggested to reduce the incidence of recurrent ulcerations. Osteoclasis is a simple procedure used to fracture the metatarsal head in attempt to reduce pressure under the affected metatarsal without transferring excessive pressure to adjacent metatarsals. We present a case study of a 65-year-old diabetic male with multiple attempts to heal and maintain a healed ulceration who underwent an osteoclasis procedure. Following this patient for 3 years (until time of death), no recurrent or new ulcerations had occurred. Further studies should be conducted to identify if this result is reproducible prior to widespread use.