What Does a Wagner Grade 5 Look Like?

Wagner Grade 5 diabetic foot ulcers represent the most severe form of ulceration, involving extensive gangrene of the entire foot. Unlike Grade 4 ulcers, which are localized to part of the foot, Grade 5 ulcers indicate systemic tissue death and widespread infection.

At this advanced stage, the likelihood of successful limb salvage is extremely low. Surgical amputation below the knee is typically required to protect the patient's overall health and prevent life-threatening systemic complications such as sepsis.

Contributing factors often include delayed wound management, severe peripheral vascular disease, prolonged infection, and poor glycemic control. Early-stage diabetic foot ulcers that are not properly treated can progress to Grade 5, underscoring the critical importance of preventative foot care and regular medical evaluation.

Following amputation, patients require coordinated post-operative care, wound healing support, prosthetic planning, and rehabilitation services.

The images below provide clinical examples of Wagner Grade 5 ulcers, highlighting the critical need for timely diagnosis, aggressive treatment, and proactive diabetic foot management to prevent severe outcomes like this.

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