Description
The presentation delivered by Charline Roslee discusses the increased risk of fractures in individuals with diabetes, particularly emphasizing differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It highlights various population studies indicating that diabetics are more prone to lower limb fractures compared to non-diabetics, with specific reference to recent data from the United States showing that a significant percentage of surgically treated ankle fractures are in diabetic patients.
Roslee stresses on having proper diabetic control, underscoring the importance of HbA1c levels in assessing diabetes management. She distinguishes between well-controlled diabetics, who can be treated similarly to non-diabetics, and those with poor control and comorbidities, for whom special considerations should be taken during treatment.
The presentation addresses the challenges faced when treating fractures in diabetic patients, including the assessment of complications such as peripheral neuropathy and the impact of comorbidities like end-stage renal failure. Various strategies for managing these patients, including stabilization techniques and soft tissue management, are discussed, with particular focus on preventing amputation and ensuring effective healing. Roslee concludes with insights into the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes within the population, underscoring the need for vigilance in recognizing and managing diabetic complications in orthopedic contexts.