Debridement

Debridement

Debridement of a diabetic foot ulcer is the first step in management.

All necrotic tissue and surrounding callus should be debrided back to bleeding tissue.1 This allows full visualization of the extent of the ulcer for assessment and removes any foreign matter which may lead to infection and delayed healing.2

Debridement
Debridement

Severe cellulitis associated with deep infection

Same foot after debridement to remove infected tissue

Common methods of debridement are sharp or surgical, autolytic, and enzymatic.

NOTE: There are some instances where debridement is not appropriate and careful assessment of the ulcer is essential.2

References [+]

  1. Armstrong DG, Lavery LA. Diabetic foot ulcers: prevention, diagnosis and classification. Am Fam Physician. 1998;57(6):1325-1332, 1337-1328.
  2. Leaper D. Sharp technique for wound debridement. World Wide Wounds. 2002. Available at: http://www.worldwidewounds.com. Accessed October 15, 2007.

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