The long-term clinical efficacy of transverse tibial bone transfer in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: more than 4 years of follow-up in a single center

Abstract Objective: To conduct long-term follow-up on patients who underwent transverse tibial bone transfer for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and evaluate the long-term efficacy. Methods: The clinical data of patients with diabetic foot ulcers who underwent transverse tibial bone transfer in our hospital from 2019 to 2021 were retrospectively collected. The last centralized follow-up was conducted on April 30, 2025. The recovery status of diabetic foot in the patients was collected, and the self-management ability and satisfaction of the patients were evaluated. Results: A total of 51 patients (52 with affected feet) were followed up, and the recovery rate was 67.3%. Among them, the recovery rates at 4, 5, and 6 years after the operation were 73.9%, 73.6%, and 40%, respectively. A total of 23 self-management scoring scales were collected. The scores at 4, 5, and 6 years after the operation were (42.40±3.34) points,(40.29±2.69)points,and(36.00±4.42) points, respectively. The self-management ability level of the recovered patients was higher than that of the non-recovered patients, P < 0.05; A total of 31 satisfaction survey forms were collected, with a score of (3.23±0.42) points. Among them, 7 cases were very satisfied and 24 cases were satisfied, with a satisfaction rate of 100%. Conclusion: The long-term efficacy of tibial transverse bone transfer in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers is good. Patients have a relatively good level of self-management ability and high patient satisfaction.