Although the International Federation of Diabetes (IDF) put out these clinical practice guidelines in 2017, we were gratified to see our 2014 ETF Proof-of-Concept study cited on page 19 of the document. We are cited in the section on using a 128 Hz tuning fork to assess diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
We were equally excited to learn that this same article was cited in a more recent article in the European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery in July 2019. We were cited in “Global Vascular Guidelines on the Management of Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia”. This clinical practice guideline document cites us on page S31 discussing clinical testing for neuropathy.
O’Brien Medical is pleased to announce the official launch of the ETFMx multi-frequency electronic tuning fork. Building on the success of the ETF128, the Mx takes vibration testing to the next level. Now clinicians can test patient’s sensation with the three most used frequencies in medicine, 64, 128 and 256 Hz. This multi-frequency instrument saves time and money by essentially integrating three tuning forks into one. The Mx will be sold exclusively through the company website and select distribution partners.
All those involved in the care of diabetic patients understand the value of amputation prevention. In addition to this obvious reason to diagnose DPN, here are a few you may not have considered. In the spirit of evidenced-based medicine, supporting links are provided to relevant peer-reviewed articles.
The 800 pound gorilla in the room, this one speaks for itself.
All neurological screening tests are not created equal.
Some researchers are finding our most ubiquitous screening method (10gm monofilament) a bit lacking. Is LOPS being diagnosed in a standardized, reproducible manner? Make your own conclusions from the research linked below.
Pediatric diabetic patients with DPN are going undiagnosed.
Children and adolescents with DPN are flying under the radar. They are tougher to spot and often overlooked. This is a great opportunity to move “upstream” from the end stage result of an infected diabetic ulcer seen in adulthood.
You can identify patients at increased risk for falling.
Fall risk is another neglected consequence of DPN. Sensory loss in the feet diminishes balance and proprioception. Fall prevention screening should include neurological assessment of the feet. Just might help avoid a future hip fracture.
You may save the healthcare system money.
This may not the primary reason for preventing diabetic foot complications but certainly a nice side effect.
