Foot debridement: anatomic knowledge is mandatory

The foot is well adapted for its purpose. This is reflected by its special anatomical architecture, having a thickened epidermis, subcutaneous fatty p ads and muscles arranged in compartments. In diabetic patients, metabolic c hanges and foot deformity can lead to high pressure zones resulting in a fo ot ulcer. If an ulcer gets infected, the oedema aggravates the underlying m uscle compartment pressure, even leading to muscle necrosis. This explains why foot ulcers can lead to extensive tissue necrosis. For debridement, sou nd anatomical knowledge of the foot anatomy is mandatory. Copyright (C) 200 0 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.