Diabetes and Lower Extremity Amputation

Lower extremity amputation is required for a significant percentage of diabetic patients to control diabetic foot disease. Diabetics are prone to lower extremity ischemia, ulceration, infection, and gangrene. Despite medical and surgical advances, the mortality and morbidity rates for major amputations remain quite high. Clinical judgment and diagnostic testing can aid in the determination of the most appropriate procedure to treat infection, maintain limb length, and ultimately facilitate rehabilitation.