Author(s) Katz IA, Harlan A, Miranda-Palma B, Prieto-Sanchez L, Armstrong DG, Bowker JH, Mizel MS, Boulton AJ, et al.

Journal Diabetes care. Date of publication 2005 Mar 1;volume 28(3):555-9.

Abstract 1. Diabetes Care. 2005 Mar;28(3):555-9. A randomized trial of two irremovable off-loading devices in the management of plantar neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers. Katz IA(1), Harlan A, Miranda-Palma B, Prieto-Sanchez L, Armstrong DG, Bowker JH, Mizel MS, Boulton AJ. Author information: (1)Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Miami, DRI Building, 1450 N.W. 10th Ave., Room 3054, P.O. Box 016960 (D110), Miami, FL 33101, USA. irakatz@bellsouth.net OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a removable cast walker (RCW) rendered irremovable (iTCC) with the total contact cast (TCC) in the treatment of diabetic neuropathic plantar foot ulcers. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In a prospective, randomized, controlled trial, 41 consecutive diabetic patients with chronic, nonischemic, neuropathic plantar foot ulcers were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a RCW rendered irremovable by wrapping it with a single layer of fiberglass casting material (i.e., an iTCC) or a standard TCC. Primary outcome measures were the proportion of patients with ulcers that healed at