Authors' recommendations: The identified evidence suggests that intermittent compression therapy and compressed air massage may offer superior clinical outcomes for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Conclusions are limited by the available evidence. One good quality randomized clinical trial and one randomized clinical trial with significant methodological limitations are the source of the evidence included in two SRs and one set of guidelines identified in this report. More evidence, including data on the frequency and type of adverse events in this patient population, is required to more accurately evaluate the benefits and harms of compression therapy. No cost-effectiveness evidence was identified for the use of compression therapy treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. One set of guidelines was identified that provided an evidence statement for the efficacy of compression therapy of diabetic foot ulcers but did not formulate an evidence-based recommendation.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2014

URL for published report: http://www.cadth.ca/media/pdf/htis/nov-2014/RC0579-004%20Diabetic%20Foot%20Ulcers%20Final.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553; Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH)