Neuropathic Ulcers Flashcards
How many Americans have diabetes?
over 24 million
Incidence of neuropathic ulcerations:
15-25%
How many amputations is diabetes responsible for a year?
600,000
Symptoms of hyperglycemia
frequent urination
increased thirst
increased hunger.
Acutecomplications of DM:
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Nonketotic hyperosmolar coma
Long term complications of DM:
Heart disease Stroke Chronic kidney failure Foot ulcers Visual impairment
Type 1 DM:
Diagnosed in children or young adults
Results from an immune mediated destruction of pancreatic beta cells
Pancreas is becomes unable to produce insulin
Type 2 DM:
Diagnosed at middle age or later
Approximately 80% of diagnosed are overweight
Genetic predisposition to developing type 2
Start as “insulin resistance” where cells in the body do not respond properly to insulin
Excessive weight and inadequate physical activity are contributing factors
Hyperglycemia
Changes RBCs, platelets, and capillaries
Alters blood flow
Increases microvascular pressure
What do glycosylated proteins cause?
tissue trauma
What is accumulation of sorbitol due to?
to breakdown of glucose, results in tissue destruction
Where are diabetic wounds located?
Usually on tips of toes, lateral aspect of foot dorsum of foot, metatarsal heads especially 1st and 5th, heels, midfoot and at location of orthopedic deformity
What percentage of diabetic ulcers are neuropathic foot ulcers?
60-70%
15-20% of diabetic ulcers are from PVD
15-20% are mixed cause
Wound edges:
even, well defined, with and without undermining
What deformity is common in diabetic foot ulcers?
Hammer toe/claw toe
Skin changes with DM:
Cracking; callous formation
Reasons for delayed wound healing in DM:
Inhibited fibroblast activity Inhibited endothelial cell activity Decreased collagen deposition Delayed re-epithelialization Decreased re-endothelialization of microarterial anastomoses
Diabetic Risk Factors Contributing Delayed Healing and Neuropathic Ulcers
Vascular disease Neuropathy Mechanical stress Abnormal foot function and inadequate footwear Impaired healing and immune response Poor vision
Vascular Disease
Risk for PVD greater in patients with diabetes
Accelerated atherosclerosis
Thickening of basement membrane
Neuropathy
Most common complication of diabetes
Symmetrical, distal
Affects sensory, motor, and autonomic systems
Causes of neuropathy:
Neural ischemia
Segmental demyelination
Sensory neuropathy:
the most common type of diabetic neuropathy
causes pain or loss of feeling in the toes, feet, legs, hands, and arms
Autonomic neuropathy
causes changes in digestion, bowel and bladder function, sexual response, and perspiration
Can affect the nerves that serve the heart and control blood pressure, as well as nerves in the lungs and eyes
Motor neuropathy
Results in muscle atrophy and weakness Intrinsic muscle weakness/atrophy Decreases foot stability Leads to deformities Increased pressure and shear forces to foot
Sensory Neuropathy
50% of patients unaware they have lost protective sensation
Lack of protective sensation = lack of early detection to irritation or trauma
Paresthesias
At risk for pressure ulceration:
If unable to perceive 10g of pressure
Autonomic Neuropathy Ulcers:
Dry, cracked skin due to decreased ability to sweat
Increased rate of callus formation
Arteriovenous shunting leads to decreased perfusion
Uncontrolled vasodilation leads to osteopenia
Charcot foot
cycle of fracture and healing-
What happens in acute destructive phase of charcot foot?
inflammation, sublexation, bone fragments, fractures (deformity can be controlled in this phase)-
What does the acute destructive phase of charcot foot result in?
Increased blood glucose Peripheral neuropathy Mechanical stress Ankle equinus Autonomic neuropathy causing increased blood flow resulting in osteolysis, osteopenia Trauma
Mechanical Stress
Abnormal or excessive forces predispose to ulceration
High plantar pressures overload tissue’s ability to repair itself
Abnormal Foot Function and Inadequate Footwear
Impaired ROM
Foot deformities
Prior ulcer/amputation
Poor footwear
Impaired ROM
Great toe ext, DF, subtalar joint
Increase vertical pressure and horizontal shear
Foot deformities
PF contracture, varus/valgus, Charcot foot
Impaired Healing and Immune Response
Decreased ability to build new tissue and fight infection
Decreased ability to fight infection
Increased frequency of osteomyelitis, soft tissue infections, candida
Impairs all 3 phases of wound healing
Poor Vision
Diabetes is leading cause of retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts
Increases risk of trauma
Decreases ability to perform adequate foot care