Healing Against the Odds: A Case Study in Diabetic Foot Ulcer Management:

Healing Against the Odds: A Case Study in Diabetic Foot Ulcer Management

Patient Overview

A 72-year-old male with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and prior toe amputation was referred to Wound Science for management of a chronic plantar ulcer. The wound had been present for over six weeks and had shown minimal progress with standard home health dressings.

He was residing in a retirement facility and had multiple comorbidities, including poorly controlled blood sugar, early-stage renal disease, and documented nutritional deficiencies.

Interdisciplinary Evaluation

Our physician conducted an in-home wound assessment, including:

• Vascular screening and ABI interpretation

• Nutritional risk screening

• Offloading evaluation

• Laboratory review for glycemic control and micronutrient status

The wound was classified as a Wagner Grade 2 ulcer with moderate exudate and signs of early biofilm formation.

Treatment Plan

The care plan included:

• Sharp debridement at bedside, followed by application of an antimicrobial biofilm-disrupting dressing

• Biologic graft application initiated at Week 2 to stimulate granulation

• Glucose optimization in communication with the patient’s PCP

• Oral and enteral nutritional supplementation, including protein, zinc, and vitamin C

• Use of a custom offloading shoe

Weekly visits were provided for wound assessment, photography, and care plan updates—all documented in our integrated EHR system and shared with the facility’s nursing staff and primary care provider.

Outcomes

• Wound size reduced by 80% in 4 weeks

• Complete closure by Week 7, confirmed by photo documentation

• No hospital visits or acute care interventions were required

• Nutritional and glycemic improvements were documented and shared with the interdisciplinary care team

The patient maintained healing at his 3-month follow-up, and the facility reported improved patient engagement and morale.

Clinical Lessons

This case highlights the importance of:

• Physician-led assessments in identifying overlooked risk factors (e.g., PAD, malnutrition)

• Frequent visits and documentation, allowing for early intervention and precise therapy changes

• Multidisciplinary collaboration, addressing not just the wound but the whole patient

Supporting Literature

Recent studies reinforce our findings:

"Continuity and quality of wound care are directly linked to better healing rates and fewer hospitalizations."
— American Journal of Managed Care, 2023

"Nutrition plays a critical role in tissue repair, particularly in elderly and diabetic populations."
— Journal of Wound Care, 2022

Final Thoughts

At Wound Science, we don’t just treat wounds—we coordinate care around the patient’s full clinical picture. Our model supports faster healing, better outcomes, and reduced risk of hospitalization.

Have a patient with a complex or non-healing wound?
Refer a Patient or Contact Our Team to learn more about our in-home and facility-based wound care services.