A novel approach to the management of the diabetic foot: metatarsal excision in the treatment of osteomyelitis.

Abstract

To describe the procedure and outcomes of metatarsal excision in seven patients treated for osteomyelitis in the diabetic foot. Average age was 60.6 (48-83) years. The mean length of hospital stay was 33.5 (3-50) days (excluding one patient who died from hospital acquired pneumonia). All remaining patients had negative wound cultures after a mean 7.4 (0-20) days of antibiotic treatment after procedure and were discharged from hospital 16.9 (2-48) days after surgery. Two patients developed wound infections after discharge. Pre-operative levels of mobility were achieved within a mean of 12.6 days (range 2-40). In diabetic patients, metatarsal excision may be better than transmetatarsal amputation.