Non-invasive imaging techniques for predicting healing status of diabetic foot ulcers: a ten-year systematic review
Abstract
Introduction: Early and accurate detection of diabetes-related foot ulcers (DFU) that may become chronic is essential to prevent long-term disability, amputation, and mortality. Various non-invasive imaging techniques have been developed to detect and monitor DFU progression, but none have yet been widely adopted in clinical practice. This review summarizes current advancements in non-invasive image techniques for DFU wound healing prediction and identifies research directions to support clinical translation.
Methods: A systematic, multi-disciplinary review was conducted focusing on three imaging methods: photographic, hyperspectral, and thermal imaging. Articles published between July 2014 and July 2024 were searched across five databases: PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Embase, and Web of Science. The search was limited to English-language, peer-reviewed journal articles. The review followed PRISMA guidelines and applied the CASP quality appraisal tool.
Results: The initial search identified 2,937 articles, of which 22 studies met the inclusion criteria, including 17 original studies (9 medical and 8 engineering) on DFU healing prediction using imaging techniques and 5 relevant review articles.
Discussion: Each imaging method offers specific benefits and faces unique limitations: photographic imaging is user-friendly but lighting-sensitive; thermal imaging reflects inflammation but requires multimodal integration; hyperspectral imaging provides biochemical insight but is costly…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
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