Treating an unresponsive diabetic foot ulcer with cold atmospheric plasma, maggot therapy and alginate dressing: a case report

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) pose a common and intricate challenge for individuals with diabetes. Conventional wound care approaches may not always yield successful healing, necessitating alternative methods. This case report details the experience of a 65-year-old male patient with type 2 diabetes who presented with a hard-to-heal DFU on his right foot, categorised as a Wagner grade 4 DFU. Despite standard wound care management, which involved regular cleaning, debridement and dressings, the wound exhibited no signs of improvement over a six-week period. The patient underwent a comprehensive assessment by a multidisciplinary team, comprising a wound care specialist, nurse and podiatrist, leading to the formulation of a tailored treatment plan. The treatment regimen encompassed four stages: cold atmospheric plasma therapy, maggot therapy, application of alginate dressing and continuous monitoring. Following eight weeks of treatment, notable enhancements were observed in the management of the DFU.