Question

A 64-year-old man with long-standing type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy presents with a 3-week history of an ulcer under the first metatarsal head, foul odour and surrounding erythema. Probing reaches bone. Which is the MOST appropriate next investigation?

Accepted Answer

MRI of the foot

Answer

Plain radiograph of the foot

Answer

Bone scan

Answer

No imaging; treat as simple cellulitis

Answer

Doppler ultrasound of leg arteries

Practice question

A 64-year-old man with long-standing type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy presents with a 3-week history of an ulcer under the first metatarsal head, foul odour and surrounding erythema. Probing reaches bone. Which is the MOST appropriate next investigation?