Determination of the incidence of osteomyelitis and risk factors in patients with diabetic foot ulcer in Birjand, Iran: Short Communication

One of the most common complications of diabetes is diabetic foot ulcer, which exposes patients to wound infection, osteomyelitis, and lower-limb amputation if left untreated. Therefore, accurate and rapid diagnosis of wound and osteomyelitis infection is an important step in treating this debilitating complication. In this regard, the present study was aimed to determine the incidence of osteomyelitis and assess its risk factors in patients with diabetic foot ulcers during 2013 and 2016 in Birjand, Iran. This epidemiological analytical-retrospective study was conducted using numerical sampling. Demographic and clinical data were obtained by reviewing patients’ medical records and using a checklist developed by the project manager. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 18). Quantitative and qualitative results were reported as mean±standard error and percentage, respectively. The obtained findings indicated a significant association between the location of foot ulcers and the risk of osteomyelitis (P=0.02); accordingly, osteomyelitis is more likely to occur in diabetic ulcers on the toes. However, no significant difference was observed between right and left foot ulcers in terms of osteomyelitis risk. Mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate was also significantly higher in diabetic patients with osteomyelitis than those of non-osteomyelitis ones (P=0.04). However, no significant difference was observed in C-reactive protein and leukocytosis. The age and gender of the patients had no significant effect on the risk of osteomyelitis. Overall, the results of the present study demonstrated a significant relationship between the location of foot ulcers and the probability of osteomyelitis. Accordingly, ulcers located on the toes are more likely to develop osteomyelitis.