[Clinical experience of an offloading orthosis to prevent and heal diabetic foot ulcers of the digits].

Globally, every 30 seconds a lower limb amputation is carried out due to diabetes, in 85 % of cases preceded by a foot ulcer. One of the main causes of foot ulcer formation is abnormal mechanical pressure and shear, the alleviation of which is therefore a key element in the management of diabetic foot ulcers. The toes, often neglected in routine clinical examinations, are particularly vulnerable because of the thin soft tissue between the bones and the skin and because of trauma due to ill-fitting shoes. The orthosis described in this article provides effective protection of protruding and injured areas while being comfortable to wear with everyday shoes and compatible with an active lifestyle. When correctly designed, worn and monitored, it has the potential to prevent and heal diabetic ulcers of the Hallux and the lesser toes.