Australian guideline on offloading treatment for foot ulcers: part of the 2021 Australian evidence-based guidelines for diabetes-related foot disease

In a person with diabetes and a neuropathic plantar forefoot or midfoot ulcer, use a non-removable knee-high offloading device rather than a removable offloading device to promote healing of the ulcer (GRADE strength of recommendation: Strong; Quality of evidence: Moderate).

Rationale: The panel decided to adapt the original IWGDF recommendation, based on differing judgements to the IWGDF for the quality of evidence rating and the need to include a comparison control treatment (Table 2). Therefore, we downgraded the quality of evidence from “high” to “moderate”, added “rather than a removable offloading device” as the control treatment, and removed the phrase “appropriate foot-device interface” as we considered this to have only limited indirect evidence to be included in this recommendation, and a term not used in Australia, and thus unnecessary (Table 3). For detailed justification see eTable A1 in the Supplementary Material.

For effective implementation we suggest the following considerations:

Description: We agreed with the IWGDF definition that non-removable knee-high offloading device are offloading devices that extend up the leg to just below the knee and cannot be readily removed by the patient, including total contact casts (TCCs) and non-removable walkers (often termed “instant TCCs”) [22].

Contraindications: We also agreed that contraindications for these devices include high falls risk [32], moderate-to-severe infection and/or moderate-to-severe ischaemia [22, 33, 34]. For people with these contraindications we instead suggest using Recommendations 3, 7B and 7C, respectively. We also agreed that there are people who due to a range of personal circumstances may not tolerate, or wish to wear, these devices following informed consent [22], such as because of occupation, family care requirements, frequent driving, hot climates, social impacts or infrequent ability to attend follow-up care. For these people we suggest also considering Recommendation 2.

Following informed consent we strongly suggest health professionals always consider the following: appropriate fitting of the device, the pressure offloading material within the device (termed “appropriate foot-device interface” in the IWGDF guideline or “orthoses” in other guidelines, but hereto referred to as a “pressure offloading insole”), a shoe raise for the contralateral side to reduce any limb length difference, advice to limit weight-bearing activity and simple patient-friendly written instructions on safe offloading device use and when and how to seek advice [22, 37, 38]. Additionally, health professionals should consider the use of validated (i.e. proven accurate) in-shoe plantar pressure measurements where available and feasible and the use of any additional walking aids, such as walking frames, to support people to safely optimise plantar pressure reduction [22, 37, 38]. Finally, in terms of which type of non-removable knee-high offloading device to choose we refer the reader to Recommendation 1B below.

Offloading treatment is always recommended as part of a good standard of DFU care that includes best practice recommendations for DFU classification, local wound debridement, wound dressings, antibiotics (if infected), revascularisaton (if ischaemic), and patient-centred education [9, 35]. We refer the reader to the specific recommendations for such care in the relevant accompanying Australian guidelines for DFD [33, 34, 39‐41].

Monitoring: We agreed with the IWGDF that offloading treatment is arguably the most important intervention for healing neuropathic plantar DFU [22]. Thus, we suggest all people have their offloading treatment regularly reviewed within ≤1 week of initial dispense of the offloading device, and ~ 1–2 weekly thereafter, to monitor plantar pressure reduction, adverse events and DFU healing. We strongly suggest 4–6 weeks after initial offloading device use, that the person’s DFU size and classification is carefully reviewed against the baseline DFU size at the time of initial offloading device dispense to determine if the DFU has reduced in size by > 50% in that time. A > 50% reduction suggests treatment is effective and can be continued, whereas a < 50% reduction in size should prompt formal review of the offloading treatment and wider DFU management plan [9, 35]. For offloading this should include reviewing whether the person is adherent to using the offloading device, limiting their weight-bearing activity, and whether the device is providing optimal plantar pressure reduction at the DFU site [10, 22]. If at this review, it is thought that other offloading treatments may improve these factors, we then refer the reader to the subsequent recommendations in this guideline (see Recommendations 2–6).

We suggest organisations routinely managing DFU should include at least one offloading data item/field in their organisation’s DFU database monitoring system to enable at least one annual offloading treatment key clinical performance indicator [22, 42] to objectively monitor the proportion of eligible patients (not contraindicated) with plantar DFU that are prescribed non-removable knee-high offloading devices [22, 42] or alternative devices, in-line with local patient preferences, resource utilisation and DFU healing rates [42, 43]. We refer the reader to existing national and state-based High Risk Foot Service database monitoring systems and datasets that typically include such offloading treatment items and indicators and are typically available to most Australian organisations to utilise [42‐44].

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: In addition to all above considerations, the panel suggests for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that further personal circumstances are also carefully considered as part of the informed consent process, including the person’s need to participate in any traditional cultural practices where footwear may need to be removed. Further, we strongly suggest that all above considerations are discussed with the person in collaboration with their family, caregivers and support networks and a local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Care Worker(s) where available, to optimise the person’s understanding of the benefits, risks, personal circumstances and requirements of these devices, such as length of time the device would likely need to be worn to heal the DFU. We also suggest health professionals consider facilitating culturally appropriate follow-up care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people where or if possible, such as via liaising with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Care Worker(s), local Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, using Aboriginal Medical Benefit Scheme entitlements and developing culturally-appropriate resources [45]. Lastly, we suggest health professionals consider the aesthetic appearance of such devices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and whether the user would like their culture represented in the form of artwork or insignia to further personalise the device.

For more detailed considerations see eTable B1 in Supplementary Material.

When using a non-removable knee-high offloading device to heal a neuropathic plantar forefoot or midfoot ulcer in a person with diabetes, consider using either a total contact cast or non-removable knee-high walker, with the choice dependent on the local resources and technical skills available, and the person’s preference and extent of foot deformity (Weak; Low).

Rationale: The panel decided to adapt this recommendation as we had differing judgements for the quality of evidence rating (Table 2). Therefore, we downgraded the quality of evidence from “moderate” to “low”, plus, we also downgraded the strength of recommendation from “strong” to “weak” to align with GRADE criteria for strength of recommendation where the recommendation is not favouring either the intervention or control [29, 30], as in this case. Further, we made minor modifications to the “choice dependent” phrasing to group the local organisational and patient factors more intuitively (Table 3). For detailed justifications see eTable A2 in Supplementary Material.

For effective implementation we suggest the following considerations:

Description: We agreed with IWGDF that total contact casts (TCCs) are custom-made, knee-high, non-removable casts that can be applied using several different methods and materials [22]; whereas non-removable walkers are prefabricated, knee-high devices such as CAM walkers, moonboots or air cast walkers, that are made irremovable by wrapping a layer of plaster of paris, fibreglass, cohesive bandage or tie wrap around the device [22].

Contraindications: The same contraindications in Recommendation 1A apply for this recommendation. Additionally, we agreed with IWGDF that a further contraindication for non-removable walkers are a large foot deformity(s) that cannot be safely accommodated in a prefabricated walker and may cause further ulcers, such as a very wide foot, plantigrade foot, a large Charcot foot, or extensive bunion [22]. For patients where their foot deformity cannot be accommodated in a prefabricated walker, we strongly suggest instead using a TCC [22].

Procedures: The same procedures as in Recommendation 1A apply. Additionally, we agree with IWGDF that the choice between a TCC or non-removable walker should be guided by the local organisation’s available resources and technical skills, and the person’s foot deformity status and preference [22]. As mentioned for those with a large foot deformity(s) a TCC is typically indicated [22]. Whereas, non-removable walkers may be preferred in those persons without large foot deformities, or in organisations with less resources, technical skills and time to apply, as they have been found to be equally effective, lighter in weight, quicker and easier to apply, and more cost-effective than TCCs [15, 22, 46]. Thus, the panel, strongly suggests that organisations routinely managing DFU should offer, or be able to directly refer for, both types of non-removable knee-high offloading devices to cater for the above situations. Finally, we agree with IWGDF that there is no standard method for manufacturing a TCC or non-removable knee-high walker [22], and instead refer the reader to the papers cited on manufacture to choose a method based on the above considerations and local discretion [47‐49], plus, we suggest to consider using Recommendation 5 (i.e. felted foam in combination with the offloading device) for additional plantar pressure reduction if needed.

For more detailed considerations see eTable B2 in Supplementary Material.

In a person with diabetes and a neuropathic plantar forefoot or midfoot ulcer, when non-removable knee-high offloading devices are contraindicated or not tolerated, consider using a removable knee-high offloading device (and explain the importance of using) during all weight-bearing activities rather than a removable ankle-high offloading device to reduce plantar pressure and promote healing of the ulcer (Weak; Low).

Rationale: The panel decided to adapt this recommendation as we had differing judgements for the value of outcomes rating, the need to emphasise the importance of using the device at all times and the control treatment (Table 2). Therefore, we added “(and explain the importance of using) during all weight-bearing activities” as we considered this a critical part of the intervention, and “rather than a removable ankle-high offloading device” as the control treatment. The panel also noted that the primary superiority of the intervention was on “reducing plantar pressure” rather than ulcer healing and hence added in this surrogate outcome. We also removed “appropriate foot-device interface” and “second choice” as we considered both unnecessary given that this may be the “first choice” in some person’s circumstances (Table 3). For detailed justifications see eTable A3 in Supplementary Material.

For effective implementation we suggest the following considerations:

Description: We agreed with IWGDF that removable knee-high offloading devices are offloading devices that extend up the leg to just below the knee and can be readily removed by the patient, including prefabricated, knee-high, removable cast walkers, such as CAM walkers, moonboots or air cast walkers, or custom-made bi-valved knee-high TCCs [22].

Contraindications: We agreed with IWGDF that contraindications for these devices include high falls risk [32], severe infection and/or severe ischaemia [22, 33, 34]. For persons with these contraindications we instead refer to Recommendations 3 and 7C, respectively.

Procedures: The same procedures as in Recommendation 1A apply and we also agree with IWGDF that health professionals should explain the importance of wearing the device consistently. Such an explanation should highlight that wearing such a device for 100% of the person’s weight-bearing activity should provide similar plantar tissue stress reduction, and in turn healing effectiveness, to if using a gold standard non-removable knee-high device [10, 15, 22]. However, any non-adherence compromises or negates the effectiveness of the device and will likely lengthen the healing time. Lastly, we suggest to consider using Recommendation 5 (i.e. felted foam in combination with the offloading device) for further plantar pressure reduction and to consider the persons’ capacity to apply and adhere to using removable knee-high offloading devices.

Monitoring: The same monitoring considerations as outlined in Recommendations 1A also apply. In addition, we emphasise the need to review the specific removable knee-high device over time to determine if the device is still optimally reducing plantar pressure and if the person is adhering to wearing the device as much as possible. If either is significantly impacted, we suggest considering using another knee-high offloading device, or potentially an ankle-high device as there is low-quality evidence showing that people may be more adherent to an ankle-high device [15]. We also suggest that different removable offloading device types are monitored as data items in organisational DFU database monitoring systems [42, 43].

For more detailed considerations see eTable B3 in Supplementary Material.

In a person with diabetes and a neuropathic plantar forefoot or midfoot ulcer, when knee-high offloading devices are contraindicated or not tolerated, use a removable ankle-high offloading device (and explain the importance of using) during all weight-bearing activities rather than medical grade footwear to promote healing of the ulcer (Strong; Very low).

Rationale: The panel decided to adapt this recommendation as we had differing judgements for desirable effects and quality of evidence ratings, and the need to emphasise the importance of using the device and the control treatment (Table 2). Therefore, we downgraded the quality of evidence from “low” to “very low”, added “(and explain the importance of using) during all weight-bearing times” as we considered critical to the intervention, and “rather than medical grade footwear” as the control treatment. We also removed “appropriate foot-device interface” and “third choice” as we considered unnecessary given this may be the “first choice” in some person’s circumstances (Table 3). For detailed justifications see eTable A4 in Supplementary Material.

For effective implementation we suggest the following considerations:

Description: We agreed with IWGDF that removable ankle-high offloading devices are offloading devices that extend up the leg no higher than just above the ankle and can be readily removed by the patient [22]. We also agree that this definition incorporates a broad range of devices, including ankle-high walkers, forefoot offloading shoes, half shoes, cast shoes, healing sandals, postoperative healing shoes, and custom-made temporary shoes [22].

Contraindications: We agreed with IWGDF that a specific contraindications for removable ankle-high devices are the use of half shoe offloading devices as they have been reported to potentially increase the risk of midfoot fractures [22]. Otherwise a further potential contraindication is a very large foot deformity(s) that is unable to be accommodated by any ankle-high offloading device. For persons with these contraindications we instead refer to Recommendation 4.

For more detailed considerations see eTable B4 in Supplementary Material.

In a person with diabetes and a neuropathic plantar forefoot or midfoot ulcer, when ankle-high offloading devices are contraindicated or not tolerated, use medical grade footwear rather than other footwear types or no footwear to promote healing of the ulcer (Strong; Low).

Rationale: The panel decided to adapt this recommendation as we had differing judgements for value of outcomes, desirable effects, undesirable effects and quality of evidence ratings, the need to emphasise the control treatment and be a positive recommendation (Table 2). Therefore, we downgraded the quality of evidence from “moderate” to “low”, added “rather than other footwear types or no footwear” as the control treatments, and removed “do not use” to change the context from a negative to a positive recommendation as it would be “when ankle-high devices are contraindicated” or where no offloading devices were available. We also replaced “therapeutic footwear “with the Australian term “medical grade footwear” [37], and modified “unless none of the abovementioned offloading devices is available” to “when ankle-high offloading devices are contraindicated or not tolerated” to further emphasise when this recommendation is appropriate and align better with the wording of earlier recommendations (Table 3). For detailed justifications see eTable A5 in Supplementary Material.

For effective implementation we suggest the following considerations:

Description: We agreed with IWGDF that therapeutic footwear is a generic term for footwear that is specially designed to have a therapeutic effect on foot health [22]. The 2018 Australian diabetes footwear guideline’s term for such therapeutic footwear is “medical grade footwear” and incorporates both prefabricated or custom-made types [37]. Prefabricated medical grade footwear is typically only available from speciality footwear shops and provides special features designed to accommodate a broader range of foot types than standard off-the-shelf footwear, including extra depth, multiple width fittings, modified soles, fastenings and/or smooth internal linings features [37]. Custom-made medical grade footwear is typically uniquely manufactured for one person, by a trained footwear health professional, when the person cannot be safely accommodated in prefabricated medical grade footwear and is typically made to accommodate large foot deformity(s) and/or relieve pressure over at-risk sites on the plantar and dorsal surfaces of the foot [37].

Contraindications: We are unaware of any significant sub-groups who may be contraindicated to correctly fitted medical grade footwear [37]. However, a contraindication for prefabricated medical grade footwear are those with a large foot deformity(s) that cannot be safely accommodated in prefabricated medical grade footwear, such as a very wide foot, plantigrade foot, a large Charcot foot, or extensive bunion [22, 37]. We strongly suggest using custom-made medical grade footwear instead in these cases.

Procedures: Similar procedure considerations as outlined in Recommendations 1–3 also apply to medical grade footwear, including appropriate fitting, pressure offloading insoles (termed “appropriate foot-device interface” in the IWGDF guideline or “orthoses” in other guidelines, but hereto referred to as a “pressure offloading insole”), shoe raise for the contralateral shoe, advice to limit weight-bearing activity, written patient-centred follow-up care information and to see Recommendation 5 for additional felted foam supports that may be utilised to supplement offloading devices. Additionally, we agree with the Australian diabetes footwear guidelines that custom-made medical grade footwear requires an in-depth assessment by a trained footwear health professional (such as a pedorthist or orthotist/prosthetist) that typically includes multiple measurements, impressions or a mould, and a positive model of a person’s foot for manufacture [37]. We again highlight, that medical grade footwear is typically only recommended for treating those with DFU when offloading devices are contraindicated or where no other offloading devices are available, as the balance of effects strongly favours offloading devices rather than medical grade footwear due to the moderate additional desirable effects (for healing, plantar pressure reduction, activity reduction, costs and cost-effectiveness) and trivial undesirable effects (for adverse events and patient preference) to heal people with DFU [15, 22]. We consider the only exception to this is if the medical grade footwear is demonstrated to offer superior plantar pressure reductions at the person’s ulcer site than offloading device options using validated plantar pressure equipment measurements. Therefore, medical grade footwear should nearly always be considered a last, stop-gap offloading treatment to heal a person with DFU until offloading devices can be obtained. However, we do note that as recommended in the accompanying Australian guideline to prevent DFU there is moderate quality of supporting evidence for the use of medical grade footwear to prevent recurrence of DFU once healed [39]. Thus, we suggest that health professionals strongly consider arrangements to transition into medical grade footwear when healing is (nearly) achieved as per expert consensus guidelines [50] and refer the reader to the accompanying Australian guideline to prevent DFU [39]. Finally, while there is no literature to support their use as treatment to heal people with DFU, wheelchairs, knee scooters or electric scooters may be considered in these rare circumstances.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: In addition to above, similar considerations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people outlined in Recommendation 1–3 apply. Additionally, in situations where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are not in agreement to use offloading devices, or prefer a different approach, we suggest considering whether offloading devices or medical grade footwear are made more culturally appropriate for these circumstances. Only as a very last resort we suggest that health professionals consider the benefits and risk of using well-fitted off-the-shelf footwear rather than no footwear at all if they are the only options available. We refer the reader to the Australian diabetes footwear guidelines in these circumstances [37].

For more detailed considerations see eTable B5 in Supplementary Material.

In a person with diabetes and a neuropathic plantar forefoot or midfoot ulcer, consider using felted foam in combination with an offloading device or footwear rather than using the offloading device or footwear alone to further reduce plantar pressure and promote healing of the ulcer (Weak; Very Low).

Rationale: The panel decided to adapt this recommendation as we had differing judgements for quality of evidence ratings, and the need to clarify the intervention treatment and emphasise the control treatment (Table 2). Therefore, we downgraded the quality of evidence from “low” to “very low”, modified the intervention from “using felted foam in combination with appropriately fitting conventional or standard therapeutic footwear” to “using felted foam in combination with an offloading device or footwear”, and added “rather than using the offloading device or footwear alone” as the control treatments. We also replaced “as the fourth choice” as we now conditionally recommend felted foam as an adjunct offloading treatment. Felted foam should therefore be considered to be used in conjunction with other offloading devices or footwear where appropriate (Table 3). Finally, we note for the Autralian reader that studies on felted foam and felt only were considered and reported collectively under the category of “felted foam” by IWGDF, and thus felt can be considered as a type of felted foam for this recommendation.

For detailed justifications see eTable A6 in Supplementary Material.

For effective implementation we suggest the following considerations:

Description: Felted foam is a term used for another (non-surgical) offloading intervention, that is a made from either a combined felt and foam material, or from felt alone, that has different densities and an adherent backing that enables it to be cut, contoured and fixed to a surface, typically the pressure offloading insole of an existing offloading device or footwear, or the foot [22, 51]. The type of felted foam most commonly used in Australia is semi-compressed wool felt with an adhesive backing [19, 52‐54].

Contraindications: We agreed with IWGDF that we are unaware of any significant sub-groups who may be contraindicated to correctly fitted felted foam [22]. However, we suggest those with severe ischaemia or heavily exudating ulcers are likely to be contraindicated to using felted foam [22]. We suggest if choosing to use felted foam to consider adhering the felted foam to the pressure offloading insole in the offloading device or footwear to avoid injury to fragile skin and that felted foam paddings with apertures not be used for large wounds >2cm².

Procedures: Similar procedure considerations as outlined in Recommendations 1–4 also apply to felted foam. Additionally, we suggest the following considerations when using felted foam: ensure there is enough room in the device or footwear to safely accommodate the foot and felted foam and minimise the effect of transferring load to other areas of the foot from the contoured area of the felted foam (around the ulcer site) by bevelling the edge of the felted foam or using in combination with other cushioning material [52]. Also, it is important to monitor for adverse events (such as transfer lesions, maceration or infection) and replace the felted foam at least weekly as it has been found to lose > 30% of its plantar pressure effects within a week of application [52]. Otherwise, we refer the reader to this cited Australian paper on the application and effect of different felted foam on plantar pressure when used within offloading devices in people with DFU [52]. Finally, we agree with IWGDF that felted foam is a modality to augment the plantar pressure reduction effect of existing offloading devices or footwear and should not be considered as a standalone intervention [22].

For more detailed considerations see eTable B6 in Supplementary Material.

If the best recommended offloading device option fails to heal a person with diabetes and a neuropathic plantar metatarsal head ulcer, consider using Achilles tendon lengthening or Gastrocnemius recession, metatarsal head resection(s), or joint arthroplasty to promote healing of the ulcer (Weak; Low).

Rationale: The panel decided to adapt this recommendation as we considered the available evidence for desirable and undesirable effects also supported Gastrocnemius Recession procedures being included alongside the three surgical offloading procedures in the original IWGDF recommendation (Table 2). Therefore, we added “or Gatrocnemius recession” and we also moved and modifed the phrase “if non-surgical offloading treatment fails” to the start of the recommendation to highlight this important caveat earlier in the recommendation (Table 3). The panel also defined “if the best recommended offloading device option fails to heal” as treatment failure when following a step down approach of using the best recommended offloading devices option that is not contraindicated and is tolerated by the person. The panel defines “fails to heal” as the DFU not reducing in size by > 50% of its baseline size after 4–6 weeks of receiving the best recommended offloading device in conjunction with other recommended good standard of DFU care (see procedure in Recommendation 1A for more details). For detailed justifications see eTable A7 in Supplementary Material.

For effective implementation we suggest the following considerations:

Description: We agreed with IWGDF that surgical offloading is an overarching term used to describe a surgical procedure undertaken with the intention of relieving mechanical stress from a specific region of the foot, and for this recommendation, is evidenced to include the specific procedures of Achilles tendon lengthening, Gastrocnemius Recession (with or without soleal fascial lengthening), metatarsal head resection, and joint arthroplasty [22].

Contraindications: We agreed with IWGDF that a significant contraindication for these surgical procedures is moderate-to-severe ischaemia [22]. Furthermore, we suggest other sub-groups of people are also likely to be contraindicated and include those with moderate-to-severe infection, moderate-to-severe oedema, cognitive impairment that impairs capacity to provide informed consent, or conditions precluding anaesthesia. Lastly, we suggest people with normal (> 5 degrees of) ankle dorsiflexion are not likely to benefit from Achilles tendon lengthening or Gastrocnemius Recession procedures, and metatarsal head resections should be the surgical procedure considered instead in these circumstances [55]. Otherwise as persons undergoing these procedures will be required to post-operatively use offloading devices, we refer the reader back to contraindications in Recommendations 1–4.

Procedures: We strongly agreed with IWGDF that these surgical offloading procedures should only be considered if the person has failed to heal following 4–6 weeks of a good standard of DFU care [9, 22, 35]. We suggest a good standard of DFU care includes best practice recommendations for DFU classification, local wound debridement, wound dressings, antibiotics (if infected), revascularisaton (if ischaemic), patient-centred education (see recommendations in the accompanying Australian DFD guidelines [33, 34, 39‐41]) and the best available offloading device (see Recommendations 1–4) [9, 35]. We suggest failure to heal is defined as the DFU not reducing in size by > 50% after receiving 4–6 weeks of such a good standard of DFU care [9, 35].

If the patient has failed to heal, we again strongly advise that the benefits, risks, contraindications and personal circumstances are always carefully discussed first with person to gain their informed consent for any surgical offloading procedure (see general procedure considerations in Recommendation 1A). Following informed consent, we strongly suggest that best practice DFU and general health assessments are re-performed to ensure the patient is indicated and fit for surgery, and that any lower limb surgeon considering performing surgical offloading procedures is appropriately trained, suitably qualified, able to demonstrate competence in the specific procedure concerned and be registered with the appropriate regulatory body. Lastly, we suggest that post-operative management of the patient involves a multi-disciplinary team performing a good standard of DFU care that includes using the best available offloading device until the DFU is healed. Otherwise, we refer the reader to the same general procedure considerations outlined for those offloading devices in Recommendations 1–4.

Monitoring: The same monitoring considerations as outlined in Recommendations 1A also apply to this recommendation. In addition, we suggest that the surgical offloading procedures included in this recommendation are also captured and monitored in offloading indicators and organisational monitoring systems [42, 43]. Furthermore, we suggest that organisations could consider engaging their local health information managers to help obtain routinely collected hospital surgical procedure data from their local hospital datasets using Australian Classification of Health Interventions codes for these specific surgical procedures as another method of monitoring the appropriate access and use of these surgical procedures as well [56, 57].

For more detailed considerations see eTable B7 in Supplementary Material.

If the best recommended offloading device option fails to heal a person with diabetes and a neuropathic plantar or apical ulcer on a non-rigid toe, consider using digital flexor tenotomy to promote healing of the ulcer (Weak; Low).

Rationale: The panel decided to adapt this recommendation as we considered the available evidence only supported performing this procedure in those with a digital flexion deformity (or non-rigid toe) and not in those with a rigid toe deformity (Table 2). Therefore, we added the phrase “on a non-rigid toe” to specify the population that this procedure is evidenced to benefit and again moved and modified the phrase “if non-surgical offloading treatment fails” to the start of the recommendation to highlight this important caveat (Table 3). Failure of “best recommended offloading device option” is defined in Recommendation 6A. For detailed justifications see eTable A8 in Supplementary Material.

For effective implementation we suggest the following considerations:

Description: We agreed with IWGDF that surgical offloading is an overarching term used to describe a surgical procedure undertaken with the intention of relieving mechanical stress from a specific region of the foot and for this recommendation is evidenced to include digital flexor tenotomy procedures only [22].

For more detailed considerations see eTable B8 in Supplementary Material.

In a person with diabetes and a neuropathic plantar forefoot or midfoot ulcer with either mild infection or mild ischaemia, consider using a non-removable knee-high offloading device to promote healing of the ulcer (Weak; Low).

Rationale: The panel decided to adopt this recommendation without change after screening. This was based on having no differences in judgements to the IWGDF and judging this recommendation to be acceptable and applicable in the Australian context (Table 1).

In a person with diabetes and a neuropathic plantar forefoot or midfoot ulcer with both mild infection and mild ischaemia, or with either moderate infection or moderate ischaemia, consider using a removable knee-high offloading device to promote healing of the ulcer. (Weak; Low).

Rationale: The panel decided to adopt this recommendation without change after screening, based on having no differences in judgements to the IWGDF and judging this recommendation to be acceptable and applicable in the Australian context (Table 1).

In a person with diabetes and a neuropathic plantar forefoot or midfoot ulcer with both moderate infection and moderate ischaemia, or with either severe infection or severe ischaemia, primarily address the infection and/or ischaemia, and consider using a removable offloading intervention based on the patient’s functioning, ambulatory status and activity level, to promote healing of the ulcer (Weak; Low).

Rationale: The panel decided to adopt this recommendation without change after screening, based on having no differences in judgements to the IWGDF and judging this recommendation to be acceptable and applicable in the Australian context (Table 1).

For effective implementation we suggest the following considerations:

Description: We agreed with IWGDF that although the evidence is limited, offloading treatment for high plantar tissue stress is also vital to heal people with DFU complicated by infection or ischaemia [22]. However, we also agree that health professionals should be more cautious with their offloading treatment due to the risk of swelling (with moderate-to-severe infection) which could render the device too tight, and the need for frequent removal of the device to monitor the foot [22]. Also given the limb threatening nature of severe infection and the associated systemic illness, hospitalisation and bedrest is often indicated, and hence offloading considerations may exist only for transferring in these circumstances. We refer the reader to the accompanying Australian DFD guidelines for infection and PAD for definitions and management recommendations [33, 34, 36].

Procedures: We agreed with the IWGDF that an evidence-based DFU assessment should be initially undertaken to determine the infection or ischaemia severity category and in turn which of Recommendations 7A-7C to use [22]. We also agree in those assessed with limb-threatening severe infection, severe ischaemia or both moderate infection and moderate ischaemia, that their infection or ischaemia management plan should be of primary concern and instigated urgently. Thus, we refer the reader to the accompanying Australian DFD guidelines for infection and PAD for assessment and management recommendations [33, 34, 36]. However, we also agreed that in those with limb-threatening infection or ischaemia that these persons still importantly need offloading treatment to reduce plantar pressure and facilitate a healing DFU environment [22]. Thus, offloading treatment should ideally be provided on the same day as the infection or ischaemia management plan is instigated and not delayed waiting for resolution of infection or ischaemia. Otherwise we suggest the same considerations outlined in Recommendations 1 apply for Recommendation 7A, Recommendation 2 applies for Recommendation 7B and Recommendation 3 applies for Recommendation 7C.

Monitoring: The same monitoring considerations as outlined in Recommendations 1–3 apply. Additionally, we strongly suggest that the offloading treatment be reviewed at the same time as it is recommended to monitor the infection or PAD management and changed in accordance with any change in infection or ischaemia severity category. Lastly, we suggest that infection and PAD severity categories are also collected as part of the routine patient characteristics captured and monitored within organisational data monitoring systems to enable monitoring of patients with complications to ensure they are receiving recommended offloading treatment [42, 43].

For more detailed considerations see eTable B9, B10 and B11 in Supplementary Material.

In a person with diabetes and a neuropathic plantar heel ulcer, consider using a knee-high offloading device or other offloading intervention that effectively reduces plantar pressure on the heel and is tolerated by the patient, to promote healing of the ulcer. (Weak; Low).

Rationale: The panel decided to adopt this recommendation without change after screening, based on having no differences in judgements to the IWGDF and judging this recommendation to be acceptable and applicable in the Australian context (Table 1).

For effective implementation we suggest the following considerations:

Description: We agreed with IWGDF that the definition of plantar heel ulcer is one on the plantar surface of the rearfoot (or hindfoot) which is composed of the talus, calcaneus and surrounding soft tissue [22, 58]. We also agreed that the prevalence of plantar heel DFU is lower than plantar forefoot DFU, the evidence to heal these plantar heel DFU is limited, but that these plantar heel DFU are often much more challenging to offload and pose a greater risk of amputation of the lower leg [22]. Thus, offloading treatment for excessive plantar pressure is arguably even more vital to heal people with these plantar heel DFU [22]. Otherwise we refer the reader to the descriptions of non-removable knee-high offloading devices in Recommendations 1 and removable knee-high offloading devices in Recommendation 2. Finally, we suggest that the ankle-high offloading devices outlined in Recommendations 3 may be used for plantar heel DFU, but only if they can demonstrate a superior plantar pressure reduction at the ulcer site than knee-high offloading devices.

Monitoring: The same monitoring considerations as outlined in Recommendations 1–2 apply. Additionally, we suggest that different DFU locations (such as forefoot, midfoot, rearfoot and plantar or dorsal) are also collected as part of routine patient characteristics within organisational data monitoring systems to enable organisations to monitor if their patients are receiving the recommended offloading intervention for their ulcer location [42, 43].

For more detailed considerations see eTable B12 in Supplementary Material.

In a person with diabetes and a non-plantar foot ulcer, use a removable offloading device, medical grade footwear, felted foam, toe spacers or orthoses, depending on the type and location of the foot ulcer, rather than no offloading intervention to promote healing of the ulcer and to prevent further ulceration (Strong; Very Low).

Rationale: The panel decided to adapt this recommendation as we had differing judgements for desirable effects, undesirable effects and quality of evidence ratings, the need to also include other intervention options, the control treatment and to prevent another DFU (Table 2). Therefore, we downgraded the quality of evidence from “low” to “very low”, added any “removable offloading device” and “felted foam” as other intervention options, “rather than no offloading intervention” as the comparator, and “to prevent further ulceration” as another outcome of value. We again also replaced “footwear modifications “with the Australian term “medical grade footwear” that covers this definition (Table 3). For detailed justifications see eTable A9 in Supplementary Material.

For effective implementation we suggest the following considerations:

Description: We agreed with IWGDF that the definition of non-plantar DFU is for a DFU that is on a surface of the foot other than the plantar (weight-bearing) surface, including dorsal or interdigital surfaces of the foot [22, 58]. We also agreed that evidence suggests that non-plantar DFU are similar in prevalence to plantar DFU, however, the evidence to offload non-plantar DFU is nearly non-existent even though the expert opinion is that offloading (or protecting from) pressure from these non-plantar DFU is equally important for healing [22]. Otherwise we refer the reader to the descriptions of the various removable non-surgical offloading interventions, including removable offloading devices in Recommendations 2–3, medical grade footwear in Recommendation 4 and felted foam in Recommendation 5. Lastly, we agreed with IWGDF that toe spacers or orthoses are in-shoe orthoses designed to achieve some alteration in function of the toe and are typically customised from material such as silicon, rubber or foam [22].

Procedures: The panel agreed with IWGDF that given there is a substantial lack of evidence to guide offloading treatment for non-plantar DFUs [15], and until new evidence becomes available, that various removable non-surgical offloading modalities can be considered depending on the location of the nonplantar ulcer [22]. Otherwise the same procedures in Recommendation 2–5 apply, depending on the removable non-surgical offloading intervention chosen.

For more detailed considerations see eTable B13 in Supplementary Material.