# Pathomechanics of diabetic foot ulcers: challenging the status quo

> **NIH NIH R21** · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · 2021 · $205,000

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Approximately 130,000 foot ulcer related amputations are performed each year in the US, costing
about 100 billion dollars annually and at great impact to the quality of life of diabetic patients.
Pressure-reducing footwear aimed at preventing ulcers is the main preventive measure, but it has
been shown to be only meagerly effective. There exists a great need for more effective preventive
footwear, which can only be developed through a better understanding of ulceration
pathomechanics. This longitudinal study will be conducted on a cohort of patients with diabetic
neuropathy and a prior ulcer history over an estimated mean of 12 months. Using state-of-the-art
equipment, two primary ulcer-causing factors will be quantified every month over the follow-up
period; plantar shear and temperature, along with pressure and physical activity. The purpose of
this study is to identify more accurate markers and/or marker combinations for foot ulceration.
Investigators will also analyze time trajectories of the four factors to identify potential trends
towards ulceration. The uniqueness of the study is due to employment of a novel device capable
of measuring 3D foot stresses and its longitudinal design with multiple measurements over time.
Recent studies have shown the significance of plantar shear stresses in ulceration. This study will
explore a longitudinal association between the locations of shear stresses and ulceration for the
first time. Variations in foot temperature and potential relevance to ulceration will be revealed.
Identifying and understanding reliable ulceration markers could lead to revolutionary
preventative measures including development of footwear that monitors and minimizes
ulceration risks.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10294103
- **Project number:** 1R21AG073869-01
- **Recipient organization:** UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Metin Yavuz
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $205,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-08-15 → 2021-09-01

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10294103

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10294103, Pathomechanics of diabetic foot ulcers: challenging the status quo (1R21AG073869-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10294103. Licensed CC0.

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