Stem Cell Therapy May Avert Diabetic Amputation

Author: American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Published: 2015/02/20 - Updated: 2021/08/31
Topic: Diabetes Information - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Advances in stem cell therapy can significantly improve outcomes for patients with chronic diabetic foot ulcers.

Diabetic patients frequently develop chronic foot conditions, like ulcers, as a result of peripheral neuropathy, which causes a lack of sensation of the lower extremities.

Often misdiagnosed, these conditions can lead to more serious complications, including amputations; but when caught early are highly treatable.

Introduction

According to data presented at the 73rd Annual Scientific Conference of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), advances in stem cell therapy can significantly improve outcomes for patients with chronic diabetic foot ulcers. Use of stem cells to treat foot problems like diabetic ulcers may speed up the healing process, preventing infection and hospitalization during recovery.

Main Item

Stem cells are undifferentiated biological cells found in blood and bone marrow among many other tissues. Sometimes referred to as the "Swiss army knife of healing," stem cells have the ability to develop into many different cell types in the body, including bone, cartilage and fat. When applied directly to a wound, such as a foot ulcer, stem cells can grow over the affected area and help to provide the wound with closure so healing can take place.

"With recent developments in stem cell research, patients experience a quicker and easier recovery," said Javier LaFontaine, DPM, FACFAS, a Dallas foot and ankle surgeon, Fellow Member of ACFAS and associate professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. "We are optimistic that this complementary therapy will reduce unnecessary pain, disability and even amputation, which have become an unfortunate reality for many diabetics."

Diabetic patients frequently develop chronic foot conditions, like ulcers, as a result of peripheral neuropathy, which causes a lack of sensation of the lower extremities. Often misdiagnosed, these conditions can lead to more serious complications, including amputations; but when caught early are highly treatable.

Recent scientific studies of stem cell research in diabetic-related foot wounds have shown favorable results when looking at wound closure time, the number of treatment applications, probability of wound closure, the number of adverse events and the number of wound-related infections.

Facts and Statistics

Stem cell research has strong support by many notable groups including the American Medical Association and the National Health Council.

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and published on 2015/02/20, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons can be contacted at FootHealthFacts.org NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.

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Cite This Page (APA): American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. (2015, February 20 - Last revised: 2021, August 31). Stem Cell Therapy May Avert Diabetic Amputation. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved February 15, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/health/diabetes/amputation.php

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