Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers with an All-In-One, Self-Adherent, Soft Silicone Foam Dressing Under Total Contact Casting

Background and Aim
Total contact casts (TCCs) can be an effective, but difficult to implement, tool in the management of non-complicated neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).^1,2 A 10-patient case study series was undertaken to evaluate the performance of a self-adherent, soft silicone foam dressing* on exuding DFUs, in combination with TCCs.

Methods
Dressings and TCCs were applied, in conjunction with standard care, left in place for seven days and changed according to local clinical practice. At scheduled clinic visits, wound size and healing progression (wound tissue type, peri-wound condition, signs of infection, exudate level/nature), and pain during dressing change procedure (using a visual analogue scale) were assessed.

Results
The dressings under evaluation* demonstrated effective exudate management and generally good adherence to difficult-to-dress areas, even under TCCs. The dressing was rated positively in terms of several in-use characteristics, including handling ability, ease of application, ease of removal without pain or skin damage, stay-on-ability after application, and ability to allow multiple inspections of the wound without loss of adherence.

Conclusions
Results suggest that the dressings under evaluation* helped to optimise the wound healing process, providing several key dressing characteristics, even under TCCs.

References
1. Bus, SA., Valk, GD., van Deursen, RW et al. The effectiveness of footwear and offloading interventions to prevent and heal foot ulcers and reduce plantar pressure in diabetes: a systematic review. Diabetes Metab Res 2008;24(Suppl.1):S162-180
2. Raspovic, A., Landorf, KB. A survey of offloading practices for diabetes-related plantar neuropathic foot ulcers. J Foot Ankle Res 2014;7:35

*Mepilex® Border Comfort (available as Mepilex® Border Flex outside of the United Kingdom)