← Debridement and Drainage Clinical Cases

Diabetic Ischemic Toe Ulcer Following Revascularization

Clinical presentation, surgical treatment and documented healing.

01 / Problem: Clinical presentation
02 / Procedure: Surgical approach
03 / Outcome: Healing & follow-up

Clinical photographs below include wounds and surgical treatment.

01 / CLINICAL PRESENTATION

Problem

An 84-year-old woman presented with an infected ischemic diabetic toe ulcer caused by critical limb ischemia. Because adequate tissue perfusion is essential for wound healing, revascularization was required before definitive surgical wound management could be undertaken.

Diabetic Ischemic Toe Ulcer Following Revascularization before image — Problem

02 / SURGICAL APPROACH

Procedure

Successful lower-limb revascularization was performed, restoring adequate blood flow to the foot. Following reperfusion, surgical debridement removed all non-viable and infected tissue until healthy, bleeding margins were achieved, allowing the wound to heal by secondary intention.

03 / HEALING & FOLLOW-UP

Outcome

The wound healed completely within approximately 2.5 months, with preservation of the toe and resolution of the infection.

This case highlights that successful revascularization is often the cornerstone of limb salvage, transforming a non-healing ischemic wound into one capable of complete healing while avoiding amputation.