An evaluation is requested for a 67-year-old male patient who reports a persistent sore on the bottom of his right foot for the past two months. He has a 15-year history of type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated by peripheral neuropathy. His vital signs include a blood pressure of 135/85 mm Hg, a heart rate of 76/min, and a temperature of 37.0°C (98.6°F). On physical examination, there is a 2.5-cm, painless ulcer on the plantar aspect of the right first metatarsal head. There is no significant surrounding erythema, warmth, or fluctuance. During exploration of the wound, a sterile metallic probe easily contacts hard, gritty tissue at the base of the ulcer. Laboratory testing reveals a leukocyte count of 8,200/mm³ and an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 95 mm/h. Radiography of the right foot demonstrates focal periosteal elevation and frank cortical erosion of the underlying metatarsal head. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
- Perform a sterile bone biopsy for microbiologic cultureCevap
- BAdminister broad-spectrum intravenous antimicrobial therapy
- CObtain a superficial swab of the ulcer exudate for culture
- DObtain magnetic resonance imaging of the right foot
- EProceed with urgent surgical amputation of the first metatarsal