What is podiatric surgery, and can it help to improve outcomes for chronic diabetic foot disease?

Abstract

The relentless demand for diabetic foot care and the drive to reduce amputation rates is placing an untenable strain on an already financially stretched English national health service. As a consequence, commissioners and providers alike are having to come together to consider novel ways of working. This article argues that integrating podiatric surgery into the acute diabetes multidisciplinary team (MDT) may be part of the solution to easing pressure on hospital services. The authors share their experience of utilising podiatric surgery in the management of diabetic foot disease. Podiatric surgeons in England currently work in a variety of acute and community settings but increasingly have a role to play in the acute MDT. Podiatric surgeons can offer the MDT advice or treatment where the usual conservative podiatric or medical treatments have failed to heal ulceration or infection.