Minor amputation in patients with diabetes mellitus and severe foot ulcers achieves good outcomes.

In this population-based survey, the goal of avoiding major amputation was achieved in almost two thirds of minor amputations, but at the price of long healing times. In almost all amputations, the patient had deep infection and/or gangrene. In spite of this, 64% of all amputations, and 79% of amputations in surviving patients, healed at a level below the ankle. This indicates that minor amputations in these patients are worthwhile. Svensson H, Apelqvist J, Larsson J, Lindholm E, Eneroth M. J Wound Care. 2011 Jun;20(6):261-2, 264, 266 passim. PMID: 21727875