Advanced Imaging of the Diabetic Foot and Its Complications
Copyright © 1999 T. Learch, A. Gentili. All rights reserved.
Revised: November 16, 2004.

Advanced Imaging of the Diabetic Foot and Its Complications

Thomas J. Learch, M.D. and Amilcare Gentili, M.D.
USC and UCSD

Abstract

There are 14 million diabetics in the United States. Approximately 25% will develop foot problems and 6 to 10% will undergo amputation. Diabetics spend more time in the hospital for foot complications than for all other aspects of their disease combined. Evaluation of foot complications requires optimal diagnostic imaging targeted toward the area of abnormality. MRI has been increasingly used in the evaluation of diabetic foot disease due to its superior anatomic resolution of bone and soft tissue pathology.

This exhibit will demonstrate methods to optimize diabetic foot imaging protocols and review imaging findings in various diabetic foot conditions. This will including cellulitis, septic arthritis, abscess and sinus tract formation, osteomyelitis, gangrene, and charcot foot disease with attention to the differential diagnosis of various pathologic findings. Comparison of different imaging approaches will be made, with emphasis on current MRI techniques. Post operative diabetic foot complications along with imaging approaches to follow these patients geared toward their potential problems will be demonstrated.

Advanced Imaging of the Diabetic Foot and Its Complications
Copyright © 1999 T. Learch, A. Gentili. All rights reserved.
Revised: November 16, 2004.

Advanced Imaging of the Diabetic Foot and Its Complications
Copyright © 1999 T. Learch, A. Gentili. All rights reserved.
Revised: April 29, 2006.