Question

A 62-year-old man with long-standing diabetes and peripheral arterial disease presents with a nonhealing plantar foot ulcer with surrounding erythema and purulent drainage. Probing reveals bone. Which is the most appropriate next step in evaluation?

Accepted Answer

MRI of the foot

Answer

Plain radiograph of the foot only

Answer

Bone scan

Answer

Empiric oral antibiotics without imaging

Answer

Debridement in clinic without further workup

Practice question

A 62-year-old man with long-standing diabetes and peripheral arterial disease presents with a nonhealing plantar foot ulcer with surrounding erythema and purulent drainage. Probing reveals bone. Which is the most appropriate next step in evaluation?