Clinical Examination and Risk Classification of the Diabetic Foot

A consistent, thoughtful assessment of the diabetic foot is pivotal to identifying patients at risk for ulceration. In this chapter, we discuss the key risk factors to screen patients for foot complications, a history of lower extremity disease, the presence of peripheral neuropathy, and foot deformities. We discuss the practical approach and background of these key risk factors and, subsequently, the two most commonly used classification systems for diabetic foot ulcers. Many of the risk factors for ulceration may be identified using simple, inexpensive techniques in a primary care setting. Appropriate classification of the wound becomes paramount in our efforts to document and communicate the level of risk and facilitate amputation prevention.