The Effects of Ulcer Size on the Wound Radius Reductions and Healing Times in Neuropathic Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Abstract

The main problems in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers are prolonged wound healing and not necessary amputations, which may sometimes be caused by the impression that the results of conservative treatment are somewhat unpredictable. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of ulcer size on the wound radius reduction and healing times using a previously established equation for wound healing in neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers.

This prospective study evaluates wound healing in 120 diabetic patients with neuropathic foot ulcers who were grouped according to four different ulcer areas (A ≤ 100 mm², B > 100 ≤ 150 mm², C > 150 ≤ 200 mm², and D > 200 mm²). Ulcer healing was assessed by planimetric measurement of the wound area every second week until wound healing. The time course of wound healing in the different groups was compared by the weekly wound radius reduction using the equation R = sqrt {A/pi } .

The average healing time in group A was 70 (95 %-CI 64 - 77) days with a wound radius reduction of 0.42 mm/week (95 %-CI 0.28 - 0.56). In group B the average healing time was 79 (95 %-CI 75 - 82) days and the weekly wound radius reduction was 0.47 mm (95 %-CI 0.45 - 0.49). The average healing time in group C was 85 (95 %-CI 80 - 89) days with a wound radius reduction of 0.53 mm/week (95 %-CI 0.42 - 0.56). In group D the average healing time was 97 (95 %-CI 91 - 103) days. The weekly wound radius reduction was 0.57 mm (95 %-CI 0.49 - 0.81).

Wound radius reductions and the time needed for healing are affected by the ulcer area, a measure of ulcer size, in neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers. The calculation of the weekly wound radius reduction for different ulcer areas may be a useful tool in daily clinical practice to identify ulcers who do not respond adequately to the treatment.

Key words

Diabetic foot ulcer - ulcer area - healing time - wound radius - neuropathy

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