Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Offloading, Surgery, and Beyond
Summary: At SAWC Spring 2026, Drs. Paul Kim and Johanna-Marie Richey stressed that successful DFU management requires correcting biomechanical abnormalities rather than focusing solely on wound closure. The session covered comprehensive assessment (perfusion, infection, biomechanics), non-operative offloading strategies, and selective surgical interventions (e.g., flexor tenotomy, metatarsal osteotomy, Achilles lengthening) to reduce recurrence and preserve function.
Key Highlights:
- Biomechanical evaluation and weight-bearing imaging are essential
- Prioritize adequate offloading before considering surgery
- Surgery should target specific mechanical deformities
- Goal is durable healing with a functional, stable residual foot
Keywords: DFU offloading, diabetic foot surgery, biomechanical DFU