Lower extremity limb preservation among patients with diabetes continuously challenges the foot and ankle surgeon. With a significant population afflicted by this disease, podiatric physicians often perform amputations, a complication related to diabetes.^1-4 The literature shows that pedal amputations occur in 60 percent of all nontraumatic lower extremity amputations with foot related disease as the most frequent cause for hospital admission.^4,5

   Transmetatarsal amputations, a common partial foot amputation, succeed with long-term ef

Treating Wounds From Every Angle

Patients can now use two tested wound care products in a spray emulsion form.

   Accuzyme and Panafil are perfect for elderly patients, particularly those who suffer from arthritis, according to Healthpoint, the manufacturer of both products. The spray emulsion format does not require direct contact from the patient or person applying the enzymatic debridement products. Healthpoint says the “no touch” application may reduce the chance of infection and help prevent disturbing the wound bed.

   Healthp

   I always seem to have a small following of patients who have fallen through the cracks of health insurance coverage. My practice policy is “No Financial Barriers to Care.” In other words, we take care of them and provide care according to their needs.

   Dean was a perfect example of a patient falling through the cracks. He presented in my office seven years ago with a crushed foot. He was trying to move a bull into a corral and a beast that weighed around 800 pounds stepped on his left foot.

   Dean was 63 years old and had stopped wor