Long-term antibiotic treatment in geriatric diabetic foot infection

A case report involving a 77-year old diabetic patient with an arterial foo t ulcer and subsequent osteomyelitic infection is presented. Due to the pat ient's ineligibility for surgical intervention, long term antibiotic treatm ent based upon multiple culture, bone biopsy, radiograms and isotope scanni ng was initiated. Complete resolution of the osteomyelitis defined by subje ctive as well as objective criteria was achieved after three months of anti biotic treatment. The common and atypical characteristics of the geriatric population coupled with treatment plan involving a multidisciplinary approa ch resulted in maintaining foot function and pain-free ambulation in this 7 7-year old patient.