Adipose-derived stem cells in diabetic foot care: Bridging clinical trials and practical application

Figure 1 Standard clinical protocols for diabetic foot. This figure illustrates a detailed algorithm for managing diabetic foot complications, with a focus on infection, ischemia resulting from peripheral arterial disease, and Charcot neuroarthropathy. A: Initial evaluation: Incorporates diagnostic testing and imaging to guide therapeutic decisions; B: Infection management: Encompasses a spectrum from antibiotic therapy and localized wound care to hospitalization for advanced cases. Surgical intervention is considered for non-responsive infections; C: Ischemia treatment: Strategies include revascularization and angioplasty, with amputation reserved for critical cases; D: Charcot neuroarthropathy management: Ranges from conservative orthopedic approaches to surgical correction, based on disease progression and treatment response; E: Ulceration and deformity management: Emphasizes comprehensive wound care, off-loading techniques, and surgical options when necessary. The decision-making process within the algorithm is dynamic, adjusting based on the ulcer’s response to treatment and incorporating adjunctive therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen or cellular and tissue-based products where appropriate.