Local doctors treat diabetic foot ulcer patients with TheraGauze

YOUNGSTOWN, OH: Local doctors are teaming up with a medical supplier to treat foot ulcers.

The Ankle & Foot Care Centers are involved in a nationwide study looking for a faster way to heal foot ulcers caused by diabetic neuropathy. After doctors used bioengineered skin to fix the ulcers, they’re comparing the rates of healing using traditional dressings to a new product called TheraGauze.

Dr. Larry DiDomenico says it’s important research that will advance foot care for diabetics.

"Diabetic foot ulcers are the leading reason people have amputations in the lower extremities, and limb loss is devastating to patients. The part about limb loss that patients don’t really know is that if you lose one limb, there’s a 50% chance you will lose the other limb within five years."

Results of the study are expected by the end of 2009. See below for video.

© 2009 Susan Campbell, WFMJ