Management of diabetic foot infections, including the use of home intravenous antibiotic therapy.

Osteomyelitis and soft-tissue foot infections continue to be the source of major amputations in the diabetic patient. Many of these amputations can be prevented with a prompt, aggressive, and integrated approach. Foot alterations should be appropriately investigated for osteomyelitis and culture-driven antimicrobial therapy combined with aggressive surgical intervention, including revascularization when necessary, should be pursued. This approach increases the chances for limb salvage. Early discharge from the hospital with HIVAT offers a safe and effective alternative to a prolonged hospital stay with significant cost savings in appropriately selected patients.