Following an article on the principles of wound debridement in the previous Tissue Viability Supplement (Lumbers, 2018), this article describes some of the debridement strategies to consider in the care of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).

Foot-ulcer-related problems account for 20% of hospital admissions due to their effects on pain, mobility and systemic infection (Papanas et al, 2013). This article will cover broad concepts with the aim of improving understanding of the prevalence and outcomes of diabetic foot disease, why those with diabetes develop foot wounds, why such wounds can be difficult to heal and the evidence for various debridement techniques to support DFU healing. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.