Abstract
Introduction:
Foot and ankle pathology in patients with diabetes mellitus is prevalent in the United States and may be associated with significant morbidity. Patient outcomes can be improved by optimal medical management; deformity management and correction to limit the development of infection and ulceration; and timely, appropriate treatment of infection and ulceration when it occurs. Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons are well-qualified to treat these patients, either individually or as members of a healthcare professional team. However, there are some healthcare professionals and members of the public who are under the impression that orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon are either unwilling or uninterested in treating this patient population. The authors hypothesized that this impression was a misconception and this study was designed to address this question.
Methods:
An online survey was sent to 1376 AOFAS members practicing in the United States. There were six questions, two of which were demographic and one that asked for additional comments. The survey was completed by 297 (22%) members from 45 states and the District of Columbia.
Results:
Nonoperative treatment of foot and ankle disorders in patients with diabetes mellitus was performed by 98.7% of responders including 98.7% for fractures; 97.6% for common disorders (e.g., bunions, hammer toes, flatfeet, plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis, tendon disorders); 89.9% for Charcot arthropathy; 77.1% for infections; and 69.0% for ulcers. Operative treatment of foot and ankle disorders in patients with diabetes mellitus was performed by 98.7% of responders including 97.0% for fracture fixation; 96.3% for gastrocnemius recession and/ or Achilles tendon lengthening; 94.6% for arthrodesis for osteoarthritis; 94.3% for hammer toe surgery; 92.6% for bunion surgery; 89.6% for Charcot exostectomy; 83.8% for Charcot reconstruction; 83.5% for amputations within foot; 81.1% for below knee amputations; 74.8% for operative debridement of infections/ ulcers; and 57.9% for total ankle replacement. When asked which healthcare professionals treat diabetic patients in their community, 96.6% listed podiatrists; 91.3% listed orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons; 69.0% listed other MD/ DO surgeons (e.g. general, plastics, vascular); 64.0% listed nurses (e.g., APRN, wound care specialist); 37.4% listed other orthopaedic surgeons; 31.7% listed non- surgeon MD/ DO physicians; 32.3% listed physician assistants; and 2% listed other.
Conclusion:
The vast majority of orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons practicing in the United States who responded to the survey provide operative and nonoperative treatment to patients with diabetes mellitus and foot and ankle disorders. Given the extensive medical education and training of orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons, their knowledge and surgical skill, and the benefits patients with diabetes receive from appropriate and timely foot and ankle care, efforts should be made to educate the public and other healthcare professionals of the availability of most orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons to provide this care.