Publication:

Split skin graft for diabetic ulcers:an analysis

Background Most diabetic wounds are slow healing and have a considerable area for which healing takes a long duration by conservative methods. Hence we wanted to check the effectiveness of methods of accelerating the healing process. Aim of the study was to analyse the effectiveness of split skin grafting as a curative procedure in these ulcers.

Methods A retrospective analysis of 100 cases of diabetic ulcer who had undergone split skin grafting between 2009 and 2012 was performed to check the effectiveness of the procedure in curing the ulcer.

Results Split skin graft cured about 88% of the patients (graft take more than 90%) with recurrence of about 5%. The rest had graft taken less than 90% but the ulcer had healed. Donor site infection was seen in 5% and all were treated conservatively.

Conclusions The major goal in diabetic foot management programmes is to reduce morbidity, early wound healing and early ambulation. This procedure of split skin grafting helps to achieve this. But the ideal way forward is to avoid the development of such diabetic ulcers by patient education and improving glycemic control. Follow up in diabetic clinics should include vascular and neuropathic assessment of the foot and education about foot care.