The Role of the Podiatrist in Diabetic Limb Salvage
Courtesy Complete Foot and Ankle Care
Podiatrists play an important part of the multidisciplinary team in diabetic limb salvage since they specialize in the diagnoses and treatments of pathologies of the foot and ankle . Adding a podiatrist to the team translates to decreases in major amputation rates by > 50 % and overall improved outcomes for patients with challenging diabetic situations .
Dr . Damien Dauphinée was recently invited to lecture on surgical techniques used in saving limbs threatened by the complications of diabetes at the 2 nd Annual Global Foot and Ankle Conference in Chongquin , China . “ Diabetic Limb Salvage basically involves preventing a major amputation in people with diabetes ,” said Dauphinée .
Diabetes affects a large percentage of Texas and is expected to grow to 4 million Texans by 2020 and 8 million by 2040 . Dr . Dauphinée spoke specifically about techniques used to surgically correct external parts of the body that have become deformed due to a condition called Charcot neuroarthropathy . Charcot neuroarthropathy is the progressive destruction of bone and soft tissues at weightbearing joints , most commonly in the foot and ankle . According to Dr . Dauphinée , patients develop neuropathy when their nerves in the feet stop working and they become completely numb . When this happens the patients may easily cause trauma to the joints without feeling it until they ’ ve done irreparable damage . Many are misdiagnosed with an infection , put on antibiotics and allowed to put weight on the joint , causing further damage that can easily become infected and eventually lead to amputation .
Dr . Damien M . Dauphinée , DPM , FAC- FAS , FAENS , FACCWS , CWS-P , has special training in the use of external fixation to help correct the deformed limbs . He is board certified in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery . He is also board certified in Wound Management by the American Board of Wound Management . Dr . Dauphinée has been in private practice at Complete Foot and Ankle Care of North Texas for 18 years and founded the Comprehensive Wound Center at Baylor ’ s Heart Hospital in Denton where he serves as Medical Director of Limb Preservation .
During Dr . Dauphinée ’ s lecture , he talked about the equipment used during the procedure , “ The devices we use look somewhat like the ‘ Erector Set ’ toys from the 50s and 60s . Most people have seen a patient walking with a ‘ halo ’ of hardware at the head and neck after a major spinal injury or fusion , which is the same technology we use on the lower limbs .”
Dr . Dauphinée was one of two surgeons in North Texas invited to speak at the conference , which was attended by some of the top orthopedic and podiatric foot and ankle surgeons in the world . This was his first trip to Asia and , to make it even more special , he brought along his wife , Rachelle , and their son , Alex . They were especially excited to see the Terra-cotta Warriors exhibit in Xi ’ an as Alex , who ’ s in 7 th grade had completed a study on China . The Dauphinées enjoyed their trip so much , they decided to stay and visit Beijing as well .
Dr . Dauphinée lectures nationally and internationally on the subjects of diabetic limb salvage , hyperbaric oxygen therapy for chronic wounds , and peripheral nerve pathology and treatment .
Unfortunately , even when individuals with diabetes keep their blood sugar in good control , neuropathy may still occur but there ’ s hope . By having a yearly measurement made of the sensibility in your hands and feet , the earliest stages of neuropathy can be identified and appropriate changes in your diabetes management can be made . In certain circumstances , it may be found that areas are present in both your arms and legs that cause compression of your nerves . These sites of pressure on your nerves can be treated with surgery in order to restore sensation to your hands and feet .
Dr . Damien Dauphinée DPM , FACFAS , FAENS , FACCWS , CWS-P
If you have diabetes and are concerned with diabetic neuropathy , Complete Foot and Ankle Care invites you to make an appointment with us by calling 940-300-3054 .
DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2017
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