RÉSUMÉ
Objective To investigate the feature of diabetic foot ulcer and the relative mechanism, and to analyze its predilection site. Methods The precipitating factors and the areas of ulcer were analyzed in 121 diabetic patients with foot ulcer. The peripheral neuropathy was diagnosed by measuring the skin sensation, tendon reflex, electromyogram or vibration perception threshold (VPT). The diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) was evaluated by positive symptoms, ultrasound or magnetic resonance angiography. According to morbid changes, the patients were divided into neuropathic ulcer group (n = 33), ischemic ulcer group (n = 27), and mixed type ulcer group (n = 61). Results The ulcers of 97 cases (80. 2%) were distributed in digital pedis and plantar pedis. In neurogenic ulcer group, there were 48.5% lesion at planta pedis, 30.3% at dorsum pedis, and 21.2% at digiti pedi. In ischemie ulcer group, there were 59.3% at digiti pedis, 29.6% at dorsum pedis, and 11.1% at planta pedis. In mixed type ulcer group, there were 49. 2% at digiti pedis, 41% at planta pedis, and 9.8% at dorsum pedis. The difference of ulcer distribution was apparent in these groups. Among these three groups, patients in mixed type ulcer group was the oldest, and had the longest duration of diabetes (P<0.05) and the largest area of ulcer at diagnosis. However, the BMI and blood pressure in isehemic ulcer group were higher than those of the other groups (P>0.05). Conclusions The difference of lesion basis affects the position of diabetic foot ulcer, and the thumbs and plantar pedis are the predilection area of diabetic foot.