Open AccessScalpel debridement has minimal effects on painful plantar calluses in older people: a randomised trial
Author(s) -
Landorf Karl B,
Morrow Adam,
Spink Martin J,
Nash Chelsey L,
Novak Anna,
Bird Adam R,
Potter Julia,
Menz Hylton B
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of foot and ankle research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.763
H-Index - 39
ISSN - 1757-1146
DOI - 10.1186/1757-1146-5-s1-o27
Subject(s) - medicine , debridement (dental) , rehabilitation , randomized controlled trial , orthopedic surgery , physical therapy , surgery
Background Plantar calluses are often associated with increased plantar pressure and foot pain, which can have a detrimental impact on the mobility and independence of an older person. Scalpel debridement is a key management strategy for painful calluses; however the effectiveness of this treatment in older people has not been rigorously investigated. The aim of this randomised trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of scalpel debridement in reducing plantar pressure and pain associated with forefoot plantar calluses. Materials and methods Eighty participants aged 65 years and older with painful forefoot plantar calluses were recruited. Participants were randomly allocated to one of two groups: (i) normal scalpel debridement or (ii) sham (control) scalpel debridement. Participants were followed for six weeks. Both participants and assessors were blinded to the intervention. The primary outcomes measured were the difference between groups in pain (100 mm VAS) and barefoot plantar pressure (MatScan ® System).