Fat implants for DFU
Dr Adam Johnson describes how poorly controlled blood glucose leads to the loss of elasticity and shock absorption capacity of tendon, ligaments and skin. He suggests that these changes in combination with alterations in the foot’s bony architecture results in the elevated risk of foot ulceration due to high peak pressures and tissue deformation. He has pioneered surgical off-loading of selected diabetic foot ulcers by performing ostectomy of bone directly underlying areas of ulceration and then laying into the defect the patient’s own adipose tissue in order to provide the cushioning necessary to reduce the recurrence rate of these foot ulcers.
Johnson, A Adipose tissue transfer for pressure shielding in problematic wounds. Podiatry Management 2016; November/December:97-100.