DPM Diabetic Foot Care & Management 3

Question 1

A diabetic patient has a foot ulcer probing to bone. What is the positive predictive value of this probe-to-bone test for osteomyelitis?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 89%

Answer

A positive probe-to-bone test has a positive predictive value of approximately 89%, making it a highly useful bedside diagnostic tool for osteomyelitis.

Question 2

Which MRI finding is most diagnostic of osteomyelitis in a diabetic foot?

Accepted Answer

T1 hypointense, T2 hyperintense signal in bone marrow with cortical disruption

Answer

Osteomyelitis on MRI shows T1 hypointense and T2 hyperintense marrow signal, reflecting replacement of fatty marrow by inflammatory exudate, often with cortical disruption.

Question 3

Which growth factor, delivered via becaplermin gel, is FDA-approved for adjunctive treatment of diabetic foot ulcers?

Accepted Answer

Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)

Answer

Becaplermin (Regranex) contains recombinant human PDGF-BB and is the only FDA-approved topical growth factor for diabetic neuropathic foot ulcers.

Question 4

In a diabetic patient with suspected osteomyelitis, which laboratory marker most reliably correlates with disease activity and response to treatment?

Accepted Answer

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

Answer

ESR is the most commonly used lab marker to track osteomyelitis activity in diabetic foot infections; levels above 70 mm/hr are particularly concerning.

Question 5

Which feature best differentiates a Charcot foot from osteomyelitis on technetium-99m bone scan?

Accepted Answer

Bone scan cannot differentiate the two conditions

Answer

Technetium-99m bone scan cannot reliably differentiate Charcot neuroarthropathy from osteomyelitis, as both show increased uptake; labeled WBC scans or MRI are preferred.

(DPM) Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Practice Test

(DPM) Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Practice Test

DPM Diabetic Foot Care & Management 3