3. A five-year mortality rate of major amputations is even reaching 56.6%."> 3. A five-year mortality rate of major amputations is even reaching 56.6%.">
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The Last Line of Defense for Foot Health: Precautions of DFU Amputation

Amputation risks and prevention
(Amputation and Prevention)

The Truth and Impact of Amputation in DFU Patients

Lower limb amputation is a relatively severe consequence among complications of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), with approximately 20% of patients with DFU ultimately facing the need for amputation1. The extent can be divided into “minor amputations” (such as partial toe removal), and “major amputations” where part of the limb is removed2. Amputation significantly reduces the physical function and quality of life of patients, and the rate of ulcer recurrence and re-amputation is higher than in those who have not undergone amputation3. A five-year mortality rate of major amputations is even reaching 56.6%4.

What other surgeries might DFU patients face?

"Health on the Edge: Surgical Treatments for DFU"

In-Depth Analysis of Amputation Risk

Infection and gangrene are the primary reasons for lower limb amputation in DFU patients1, especially once gangrene or infection occurs, the risk of amputation significantly increases5. Other factors such as the presence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), neuropathy, or more severe wound ulcer conditions (higher Wagner grades) are also associated with the risk of amputation6.

Remember the ulcer wound grading system：

"The Hidden Worries Below": Analyzing Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Their Grading

Preventing Amputation

The primary way to prevent amputation is, of course, to prevent the ulcer wound from worsening. Among hospitalized patients, multidisciplinary care, holistic patient care, and preventing condition deterioration can significantly reduce the amputation rate in DFU patients, therefore a good medical care system support is also one of the key elements in maintaining patient health7,8.

    Reference：
  • Armstrong DG et al. JAMA. 2023;330(1):62-75.
  • van Netten JJ et al. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2023;e3654.
  • Rathnayake A et al. World J Diabetes. 2020;11(9):391-399.
  • Armstrong DG et al. N Engl J Med. 2017;376(24):2367-2375.
  • Lin C et al. PLoS One. 2020;15(9):e0239236.
  • Mansoor Z, et al. Cureus. 2022;14(7):e27245.
  • Lo ZJ et al. Int Wound J. 2022;19(4):765-773.
  • Chou HW et al. 內科學誌 2023：34：199-222.