[Preserving amputations or resection techniques on the foot]

The main causes for amputations on the lower extremities are dysvascular disease and/or diabetes mellitus. Especially in diabetics tissue preserving surgical techniques should be performed. Due to multimorbidity and high risk of an amputation on the other extremity, the so called "major amputations" ("transtibial" or "transfemoral") should be reduced. Especially in diabetics tissue preserving amputations on the foot or resection techniques on the foot are of importance to prevent major disabilities or handicaps on the patients. For this the surgeon has to have knowledge on all amputation levels on the foot as well as knowledge about prosthetic fitting or shoe techniques. With this a high percentage of good results will prevent the patient from major amputations.