DFUC2020: Analysis Towards Diabetic Foot Ulcer Detection

Every 20 seconds, a limb is amputated somewhere in the world due to diabetes. This is a global health problem that requires a global solution. The MICCAI challenge discussed in this paper, which concerns the automated detection of diabetic foot ulcers using machine learning techniques, will accelerate the development of innovative healthcare technology to address this unmet medical need. In an effort to improve patient care and reduce the strain on healthcare systems, recent research has focused on the creation of cloud-based detection algorithms. These can be consumed as a service by a mobile app that patients (or a carer, partner or family member) could use themselves at home to monitor their condition and to detect the appearance of a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). Collaborative work between Manchester Metropolitan University, Lancashire Teaching Hospital and the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust has created a repository of 4,000 DFU images for the purpose of supporting research toward more advanced methods of DFU detection. Based on a joint effort involving the lead scientists of the UK, US, India and New Zealand, this challenge will solicit original work, and promote interactions between researchers and interdisciplinary collaborations. This paper presents a dataset description and analysis, assessment methods, benchmark algorithms and initial evaluation results. It facilitates the challenge by providing useful insights into state-of-the-art and ongoing research. This grand challenge takes on even greater urgency in a peri and post-pandemic period, where stresses on resource utilization will increase the need for technology that allows people to remain active, healthy and intact in their home.