Laser therapy in diabetic foot treatment

Chronic Diabetic Foot is nowadays common disease. Laser therapy could be used in wound and ulcers therapy. Abstract describes results of lasertherapy in diabetic foot treatment.

Introduction
It is estimated that number of people suffering from diabetes reaches 150 million. This number may double by 2025. India and China are the countries particularly vulnerable to significant increase of morbidity rate. Diabetic foot is a very serious complication of diabetes and the most dangerous factor leading to foot amputation. According to the statistics 60% lower limb amputation apart from accidents origin is related to diabetic foot. Scientists estimate that 15% of people suffering from diabetes will have diabetic foot problems, where up to 40% of these cases may require an amputation.

We didn’t get to the bottom of diabetic foot mechanism because the problem is complex. There is no doubts about the fact that amputation is serious problem and quality of life after amputation is drastically decreased.
Study
The study was conducted for 2 years from February 2008 to February 2010. Participants were people who suffered from diabetes type II and diabet foot type I according to Maggitt-Wagner scale. There were 68 participants divided into two groups 34 people each.

 
Control group
Control group was treated traditionally. The saline or betadrin compresses, antibiotic therapy and a cast immobilising foot were applied.
Study group
Study group was also treated in the traditional way and additionally there were lasertherapy sessions. Laser cluster was used for the treatment. The treatment was conducted every day and lasted for 15 days. Both the center of wound and edges were irradiated.

It featured following parameters:

Dose of energy 2-4J/cm2
Power 60mW
Frequency 5kHz

Results

Results
Control group
Study group
Statistical significance

Initial area of ulcer in mm2
2747
2608
p=0,361

Final area of ulcer in mm2
2424
1564
p=0,218

Mean reduction of ulcer in mm2
322
1043
p<0,010

As it was shown in table the area of wound was reduced in both groups. In case of control group the area was reduced of 11,7%. In study grup the reduction was higher. The area of wound decreased of 39,9%.

Summary
According to the study it was proven that laser therapy is efficient method in diabet foot treatment.
Laser therapy triggers off a number of beneficial effects:

Photobiomodulation
Increased tissue granulation
Fibroblast proliferation
Collagen synthesis
Neovascularisation
Early epithalisation

Literature
“Efficacy of Low Level Laser Therapy on Wound Healing in Patients with Chronic Diabetic Foot Ulcers – A Randomised Control Trial” Basavaraj M. Kajagar; Ashok S. Godhi; Archit Pandit; S. Khatri