A 62-year-old with long-standing diabetes has a foot ulcer and suspected osteomyelitis. When is surgical intervention indicated?...

Question

A 62-year-old with long-standing diabetes has a foot ulcer and suspected osteomyelitis. When is surgical intervention indicated?

Accepted Answer

If extensive necrosis, abscess, or failure of medical therapy

Answer

Always for any ulcer

Answer

Only if culture positive

Answer

Never; antibiotics suffice

Answer

After 12 months of antibiotics in all

us-abfm MCQ (SBA): Osteomyelitis-Surgical Indications