Interdisciplinary treatment of the diabetic foot syndrome [Interdisziplinäre Behandlung des Diabetischen Fußsyndroms]

The clinical picture and pathogenesis of the diabetic foot syndrome are extraordinarily varied. The causes of the majority of lesions are peripheral diabetic polyneuropathy and the resulting incorrect distribution of pressure on structures of the foot, impairment of circulation due to peripheral arterial disease, as well as infections. The different aspects of these main causes result in a multifaceted clinical picture. Therefore, it is essential that different professional groups cooperate with one another; without this, comprehensive treatment of the many aspects of the diabetic foot syndrome is not possible. In particular, the present article attempts to highlight the part played by the different professional groups in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the diabetic foot syndrome. Only if an interdisciplinary diabetic foot team is coordinated and works together smoothly can successful therapy of the diabetic foot syndrome be achieved. © 2009 Springer Medizin Verlag.