Universidad Complutense De Madrid, Spain
Prof. Dr. Francisco Javier Álvaro-Afonso is a visionary clinical researcher specializing in diabetic foot osteomyelitis, blending podiatry, pharmacy, and cutting-edge AI diagnostics. Holding a PhD in Podiatry, he excels in pioneering non-invasive strategies for bone infection detection, leveraging radiographic interpretation and deep learning models to reshape clinical decision-making. With a robust h-index and over 1,500 citations, his scholarly footprint spans high-impact journals and international collaborations. He balances academic rigor with real-world impact, guiding best practices through his clinical experience at Complutense University and the Diabetic Foot Unit. His work empowers both patients and practitioners with smarter, faster, and more accurate diagnostic tools, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life. Innovative, interdisciplinary, and deeply committed to transforming diabetic foot care, Prof. Álvaro-Afonso consistently sets a high bar for research excellence and patient-centered innovation.
Professional Profile
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Education
Prof. Dr. Francisco Javier Álvaro Afonso possesses a diverse and robust academic background that forms the foundation of his professional excellence. He earned his PhD in Podiatry from the Complutense University of Madrid, focusing his thesis on the interobserver variability of the probe-to-bone test and plain radiographs in diagnosing diabetic foot osteomyelitis. This was preceded by an Official Master’s Degree in Healthcare Research from the same institution, which strengthened his expertise in evidence-based medical practices. His academic journey also includes a Degree in Podiatry, completed, and a Degree in Pharmacy obtained, both from the Complutense University of Madrid. This multidisciplinary education enables him to merge clinical knowledge with pharmaceutical insights, allowing a more holistic approach to patient care. His formal education, characterized by both breadth and depth, has played a critical role in shaping his innovative research and teaching methodologies in healthcare sciences.
Experience
Prof. Dr. Francisco Javier Álvaro Afonso serves as a full-time professor in the Department of Nursing at the Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Podiatry at the Complutense University of Madrid. In this role, he contributes extensively to the academic development of students while advancing research in podiatric medicine. Beyond academia, he practices as a Deputy Podiatrist at the Diabetic Foot Unit of the University Podiatric Clinic at UCM, where he applies his clinical expertise to improve patient outcomes. He is also an active research member of the Interdisciplinary Diabetic Foot Study Group at the Health Research Institute of Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC) in Madrid. His professional experience reflects a seamless integration of teaching, research, and clinical service, allowing him to translate scientific findings into practical healthcare solutions. His leadership extends to coordinating innovative technology transfer projects, bridging the gap between medical research and its application in everyday clinical settings.
Research Interest
Prof. Dr. Francisco Javier Álvaro Afonso’s research interests lie at the intersection of clinical podiatry, diagnostic imaging, and artificial intelligence applications in healthcare. His work primarily focuses on the diagnosis and management of diabetic foot osteomyelitis, a serious complication that significantly impacts patient mobility and quality of life. He has developed advanced diagnostic strategies that enhance the accuracy of plain radiograph interpretation and has contributed to refining clinical diagnostic tools used in global practice. Additionally, he explores the use of artificial intelligence for automated detection of osteomyelitis, aiming to reduce diagnostic delays and improve treatment outcomes. His research has had a direct impact on international guidelines, ensuring that evidence-based practices are adopted worldwide. With a commitment to innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, his work continues to bridge the gap between clinical expertise and emerging technologies, setting new standards for diabetic foot care and related healthcare challenges.
Award and Honor
Throughout his career, Prof. Dr. Francisco Javier Álvaro Afonso has received notable recognition for his contributions to podiatric medicine and healthcare research. He has been invited to speak at prestigious international conferences across Europe and Latin America, sharing his expertise with academic and clinical audiences. His reputation as a leading researcher is further evidenced by his role as a reviewer and invited editor for high-impact scientific journals in diabetic foot research and medical imaging. He has also served as principal investigator and coordinator for innovative teaching and healthcare technology projects, many of which have received institutional and academic commendations. These honors reflect his commitment to advancing both the science and practice of podiatric medicine, as well as his dedication to mentoring the next generation of researchers and clinicians. His awards and professional distinctions underscore his position as a respected and influential figure in his field.
Publication Top Notes
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Title: Analysis of transfer lesions in patients who underwent surgery for diabetic foot ulcers located on the plantar aspect of the metatarsal heads
Authors: RJ Molines‐Barroso, JL Lazaro‐Martinez, J Aragon‐Sanchez, FJ Álvaro-Afonso, et al.
Year: 2013
Citations: 101
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Title: Clinical efficacy of therapeutic footwear with a rigid rocker sole in the prevention of recurrence in patients with diabetes mellitus and diabetic polineuropathy: A randomized trial
Authors: M López-Moral, JL Lázaro-Martínez, E García-Morales, Y García-Álvarez, FJ Álvaro-Afonso, et al.
Year: 2019
Citations: 83
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Title: Metalloproteinases in chronic and acute wounds: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: A Tardáguila‐García, E García‐Morales, JM García‐Alamino, FJ Álvaro-Afonso, et al.
Year: 2019
Citations: 81
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Title: The best way to reduce reulcerations: if you understand biomechanics of the diabetic foot, you can do it
Authors: JL Lázaro-Martínez, J Aragón-Sánchez, FJ Álvaro-Afonso, et al.
Year: 2014
Citations: 71
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Title: Topical treatment for plantar warts: A systematic review
Authors: S García‐Oreja, FJ Álvaro‐Afonso, Y García‐Álvarez, E García‐Morales, et al.
Year: 2021
Citations: 67
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Title: Clinical and Histological Outcomes of Negatively Charged Polystyrene Microspheres Applied Daily Versus Three Times per Week in Hard-to-Heal Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Randomized Blinded Controlled Trial
Authors: José Luis Lázaro-Martínez, Marta García-Madrid, Mateo López-Moral, Aroa Tardáguila-García, Francisco Javier Álvaro-Afonso, Yolanda García-Álvarez
Year: 2025
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Title: Comparative Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Diabetic Foot Infection Caused by MRSA or MSSA
Authors: Francisco Javier Álvaro-Afonso, Esther García-Morales, Mateo López-Moral, Luis Alou-Cervera, Raúl Molines-Barroso, José Luis Lázaro-Martínez
Year: 2025
Citations: 6
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Title: Effect of physical activity on tissue perfusion in patients with diabetes mellitus: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Laura Palacios-Abril, Aroa Tardáguila-García, Francisco Javier Álvaro-Afonso, Sara García-Oreja, Sol Tejeda-Ramírez, José Luis Lázaro-Martínez
Year: 2025
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Title: Using Artificial Intelligence for Detecting Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis: Validation of Deep Learning Model for Plain Radiograph Interpretation
Authors: Francisco Javier Álvaro-Afonso, Aroa Tardáguila-García, Mateo López-Moral, Irene Sanz-Corbalán, Esther García-Morales, José Luis Lázaro-Martínez
Year: 2025
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Title: Clinical Effects of Weekly and Biweekly Low-Frequency Ultrasound Debridement Versus Standard of Wound Care in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Sebastián Flores-Escobar, Yolanda García-Álvarez, Francisco Javier Álvaro-Afonso, Mateo López-Moral, Marta García-Madrid, José Luis Lázaro-Martínez
Year: 2025
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Title: Red-Laser Photodynamic Therapy with Toluidine Blue Gel as an Adjuvant to Topical Antifungal Treatments for Onychomycosis in Patients with Diabetes: A Prospective Case Series
Authors: David Navarro-Pérez, Sara García-Oreja, Francisco Javier Álvaro-Afonso, Mateo López-Moral, José Luis Lázaro-Martínez, Aroa Tardáguila-García
Year: 2025
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Title: Diode Laser and Red-Laser Photodynamic Therapy with Toluidine Blue Gel for the Treatment of Onychomycosis: A Case Series
Authors: Sara García-Oreja, Francisco Javier Álvaro-Afonso, Aroa Tardáguila-García, David Navarro-Pérez, Esther Alicia García-Morales, José Luis Lázaro-Martínez
Year: 2025
Conclusion
Prof. Dr. Francisco Javier Álvaro-Afonso’s research corpus demonstrates a consistent and impactful focus on diabetic foot complications, wound healing, biomechanics, and innovative treatment approaches. His contributions span randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, biomechanical studies, and the integration of artificial intelligence in diagnostic imaging. With multiple high-citation works, particularly in diabetic foot biomechanics and wound care, his publications have significantly influenced clinical practices and preventive strategies worldwide. His recent explorations into laser therapy, ultrasound debridement, and AI-powered diagnostics highlight his forward-looking approach to improving patient outcomes in podiatric medicine.