01593nas a2200253   4500000000100000008004100001260001300042653001500055653001100070653001200081653002200093100001000115700001200125700001200137700000900149700001200158700001400170700001300184245007000197300001100267490000800278520103900286022001401325       2003                            d  c2003 Dec10aFoot Ulcer10aHumans10aleprosy10aTreatment Outcome1 aYan L1 aZhang G1 aZheng Z1 aLi W1 aZheng T1 aWatson JM1 aPiefer A00aComprehensive treatment of complicated plantar ulcers in leprosy.  a1946-80 v1163 a<p><b>OBJECTIVE: </b>To investigate feasible treatment methods for plantar ulcers in leprosy patients according to the agreement between the Ministry of Health (MOH) of China and the Leprosy Mission International (LMI).</p><p><b>METHODS: </b>A total of 2599 complicated foot ulcers in 1804 leprosy cases underwent surgic treatment. Plastic fixation and supports were used, dressings were changed regularly, and protective footwear and modified insoles were provided.</p><p><b>RESULTS: </b>Of the 2599 foot ulcers 1446 (55.64%) healed. The cure rate of the patients treated in leprosy hospitals was 71.31%, with 219 (15.15%) recurrences of foot ulcers. The recurrence rate of those who lived at home was 18.35%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS: </b>Comprehensive treatment of foot ulcers has a high cure rate and a low recurrence rate. Reduction of workload, avoidance of long distance walking, intensification of education on foot self-care and provision of financial support are the main measures for preventing a recurrence of foot ulcers.</p>  a0366-6999