Diabetic foot

Case contributed by Shaimaa Mohamed Khaled
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Long-standing diabetes, underwent toe amputation.

Patient Data

Age: 70 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

All toes amputated, reaching midshaft of metatarsal bones.

Osteopenic texture of examined bones.

Skin defect related to anterior plantar aspect of 5th metatarsal bone.

Plantar calcaneal spur.

Faint atheromatous plaque along posterior aspect of ankle joint.

No signs of active osteomyelitis.

Maintained ankle joint spaces.

Mild soft tissue swelling around ankle joint.

Case Discussion

Diabetic foot with soft tissue swelling, as well as vascular calcifications.

The complications of diabetes can often be detected radiologically on x-ray foot, including:

So, these are the most important points to look for on diabetic foot plain x-ray.

Although radiographs are important for assessing the position of the bones to each other in general, MRI is the method of choice in establishing an early diagnosis, as well as in monitoring the course of disease activity and in diagnosing infectious complications.

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