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Diabetic ulcers of the lower extremity: a review of comprehensive management.

The management of lower extremity diabetic ulceration exacts enormous emotional and economic costs from patients, their family members and caregivers, and society. A team approach to wound healing has proved effective, but efforts at prevention have been less successful. The etiology of lower extremity diabetic ulcers includes injury complicated by underlying neuropathy, ischemia, or both. Prevention of primary and recurrent ulcers can be increased through programs to educate patients and caregivers. Proper management begins with thorough assessment and continues with various forms of medical and surgical therapy, and timely referral to specialists when appropriate. The use of recombinant growth factors is becoming more widespread as more is learned about their essential role in wound healing. Monitoring the wound while it is being treated is as important as initial assessment. Across the United States and Canada, wound care clinics are being established to provide intensive care directed by specially trained multidisciplinary care teams. Less populated areas must rely on proper education of ET nurses, home care nurses, visiting nurses, podiatrists/chiropodists, and allied healthcare professionals. Challenges for the future include the development of protocols for comprehensive assessment and care, better methods of prevention, a greater understanding of the role of growth factors in wound healing, and optimizing wound care.