Healing of diabetic foot ulcer in an amputation candidate with below-knee cellulitis using combination of negative pressure wound therapy and platelet-rich plasma injection: A case report study.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Diabetic foot ulcers, especially when complicated by cellulitis, pose a significant challenge in diabetes management, often leading to amputation. This case report highlights the successful treatment of a diabetic foot ulcer in an amputation candidate using a combination of negative pressure wound therapy and platelet-rich plasma injection, potentially reducing the risk of amputation in high-risk patients.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 62-year-old male with poorly controlled diabetes presented with a chronic diabetic foot ulcer and cellulitis. After surgical debridement, negative pressure wound therapy was initiated, followed by platelet-rich plasma injection into the wound bed. This combination therapy led to rapid granulation tissue formation and complete wound closure within 8 weeks, with no adverse events observed. The patient successfully avoided amputation.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Negative pressure wound therapy played a vital role in managing the complex wound by removing exudate, reducing edema, and promoting granulation tissue formation, thereby accelerating healing and preparing for skin grafting. Alongside careful wound care, negative pressure wound therapy aided infection control and patient recovery. Additionally, platelet-rich plasma therapy enhanced healing by providing growth factors and proteins that support cellular proliferation and collagen synthesis. This combination of negative pressure wound therapy and platelet-rich plasma therapy demonstrates the effectiveness of advanced wound care for patients with complex diabetic foot ulcers.

CONCLUSION

This case underscores the potential benefits of combining negative pressure wound therapy and platelet-rich plasma injection in managing diabetic foot ulcers complicated by cellulitis. Further studies are needed to validate the efficacy of this approach, which could significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce amputation rates in high-risk patients.