Abstract

Technologies for detecting loss of multiple sensory modalities in diabetic foot neuropathy

Author(s): Amit Gefen

Diabetic neuropathy is a peripheral nerve disorder caused by chronic, typically nonmanaged diabetes. A serious complication of diabetic neuropathy is diabetic foot ulcers, which may lead to foot or limb amputations. This paper reviews some existing technologies for diagnosing diabetic foot neuropathy that are currently being used in the clinical setting, based on principles of detecting thresholds of sensation of vibration or temperature stimuli at the plantar surface of the feet. Technological pros and cons of each method are discussed and clinical implications are addressed.