The Amputation Alternative: Defender Introduces Innovative Smart Boot™ Amidst Rising Diabetes Epidemic

Around the world, there are half a billion adults living with diabetes, many of whom will develop foot ulcers. Across the United States, 85% of all non-traumatic amputations are directly linked to diabetes and more specifically, diabetic foot ulcers. Dr. Jason Hanft, CEO of Defender, believes that amputation is becoming an alarmingly normalized outcome of this disease; not just in America, but around the world. As a result, he introduces the ground-breaking Smart Boot™, a highly effective tool that comes into play before the conversation of amputation arises. 

Traditionally, total contact casts have been considered the ‘gold standard’ of care for offloading diabetic foot ulcers. Despite being in the market for over 50 years, studies reveal that contact casts were used by only 1.7% of foot clinics across the United States. Defender saw an alternative pathway to address the other 95% of these at-risk patients, the Smart Boot™. 

Dr. Hanft comments: “The solution exists but the industry requires disruptive innovation. As an organization, Defender has adapted to not only fit within the frameworks of the system but also to develop a product that patients want and need. The Smart Boot ™ combines technology, fashion, and function - formulated with the help of former Nike designer Michael DiTullo - and built to redistribute weight away from vulnerable areas of the foot.” 

Appealing to diabetics with a new onset Diabetic Foot Ulcer, or those on the cusp of surgery, the Smart Boot™ was designed with them in mind. Over 120,000 Americans undergo diabetes-related amputations each year, and the possibility of them requiring a second amputation is up to 35%. The problem is that neither the first nor second amputation is strictly necessary when the appropriate treatment measures are duly considered.  

Dr. Hanft continues: “The lack of suitable options available to doctors and patients is a leading reason for the rise in diabetic amputations. Many believe they must simply ‘do what they have to do’ when faced with debilitating ulcers, yet this shouldn’t mean having to lose a limb. Published healing rates for appropriate offloading devices are around 88% to 90% and we quickly realized that taking the force off the foot would promote healing in the shortest time frame.” 

He adds: “That’s why our direct-to-consumer model is so important. If a Smart Boot™ is purchased today through insurance, it is hardly a simple exercise. You would require an accurate diagnosis, relevant paperwork, an identified distributor, and insurance verification. Altogether, this could take up to two weeks before the product reaches the patient; but this time is critical in preventing infection and initiating healing. Our product is designed to be easy to purchase, easy to use, and easy to fit.” 

The organization’s commitment to accessibility does not stop there. By launching its exclusive disease management platform,  Defender connects patients and healthcare professionals through remote patient monitoring, machine learning, and AI integrations. The cloud-based dashboard reports on activity levels, steps taken, device usage, and compliance with medical advice, ensuring patients get the most out of their Smart Boot™ experience.  

Ultimately, Defender offers a pathway to a new solution with remarkable efficacy. The organization remains dedicated to its mission to reduce amputations across the globe - while addressing one of the most pertinent diseases of the modern day. Today, Defender turns its focus to scalability - hoping to build strategic partnerships with investors and interested parties as they progress towards fulfilling this mission.  

**This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.