ObjectiveThis study investigated the clinical value of antibiotic-loaded bone cement (ALBC) in managing infected diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), aiming to address the limitations of conventional therapies such as slow healing and high recurrence rates.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 43 eligible DFU patients (21 males, 22 females) with infected ulcers who underwent debridement combined with ALBC implantation. Clinical data on infection control, wound healing, adverse events, and functional assessments were collected.ResultsThe results demonstrated effective local infection control: 90.7% of patients achieved normalized white blood cell counts and C-reactive protein levels within 1-2 weeks, with no observable pus secretion after 3 weeks. Wound healing outcomes were favorable, with an overall healing rate of 95.3% (41/43). The median healing time was 42 days (range: 30-63 days), and the average wound area reduction rate reached 85% at 4 weeks post-treatment. Only two cases experienced delayed healing due to poor glycemic control, with no reports of severe adverse reactions. Furthermore, all patients maintained basic ambulation without significant gait impairment during follow-up, as the ALBC was customized to minimize interference with foot function.ConclusionsALBC combined with debridement effectively controls infection, promotes wound healing, and exhibits a good safety profile in treating infected DFUs, without adversely affecting daily ambulation. This regimen represents a novel and cost-effective therapeutic option. Future prospective randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate these findings and optimize protocols for patients with poor baseline conditions.Trial registry statementNot applicable.
Zhang et al. (Mon,) studied this question.