Abstract
［Purpose］To clarify the effects of treatment with OPTIMA on neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers, complications, and risk factors for the development of complications, we conducted a prospective study of non-weight bearing treatment for sole ulcers in diabetics.［Methods］The age, sex, ulcer depth, wearing period, wearing time per day, and therapeutic effects were examined in 12 diabetics with sole ulcers in whom detachable non-weight bearing boots, OPTIMA, were used between April 2016 and March 2019.［Results］Ulcer healing was achieved in 5 patients and a reduction in the ulcer size was achieved in 3, suggesting the efficacy of OPTIMA. However, there was no reduction in 2 and there were two dropout cases. An adverse event related to wear, shoe sore, was noted in 1 patient, but conservative treatment resulted in healing.［Conclusion］Foot care, footwear, and off-loading treatment are important for the treatment of neuropathic diabetic ulcers. In a previous study with OPTIMA in Europe and the United States, the 3-month healing rate was 80%. In the subjects of this study, the healing/improvement rate was 80%. As an adverse event, shoe sore developed in 1 patient. The non-weight bearing apparatus, OPTIMA, may be useful for the treatment of neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers.
