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Large and Deep Diabetic Heel Ulcers Need not Lead to Amputation

Background: Management of large and deep heel ulcers (LDHUs) is a challenge in patients with diabetic foot lesions. We assessed outcomes of a treatment protocol to save feet with LDHUs from amputation. Methods: We managed LDHUs (larger than 3 cm2) in diabetic feet using a multidisciplinary approach consisting of medical and surgical management, including revascularization and amputation, if necessary. For deep heel infection and/or gangrene, we frequently debrided and drained the deep spaces of the heel, as needed. In patients with non-ischemic feet, we made a flap from the heel pad with a broad pedicle. When satisfactory granulation tissue covered the base of the heel and the inner surface of the flap, we sutured the heel flap to its base. Results: We managed 37 feet with LDHUs among 384 patients. Twenty-nine patients (78.4%) had neuropathy, 6 (16.2%) had ischemic diabetic feet, and 2 (5.4%) had both neuropathy and ischemia. Twelve (32.4%) had septic diabetic feet. We performed two femoropopliteal bypasses, 2 infrapopliteal bypasses, and 1 distal bypass (crural) for ischemic heel ulcers. Thirty-three of the 37 feet with heel lesions (89.2%) were salvaged using this multidisciplinary approach. These 33 LDHUs healed after 4 to 7 months (median, 6 months). Transtibial amputation was performed for 4 feet (10.8%; 2 ischemic and 2 neuropathic cases). Conclusions: Diabetic patients with LDHUs can be managed with a multidisciplinary approach to prevent amputation. If necessary, deep spaces of the heel can be debrided by elevating the heel pad like a flap and then performing satisfactory reconstruction. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.