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Updated: May 25, 2026
07:34
Preclinical Model of Hind Limb Ischemia in Diabetic Rabbits
Published on: June 2, 2019
Amputation and ambulation in diabetic patients: function is the goal.
Christopher E Attinger1, Benjamin J Brown
1Center for Wound Healing, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC 20007, USA. cattinger@aol.com
Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews
|January 25, 2012
Summary
Choosing between limb salvage and amputation for diabetic patients requires careful consideration of individual lifestyle and health. Limb salvage offers better outcomes for some, while early amputation may be best for active individuals.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Diabetic Foot Care
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- The decision between limb salvage and amputation in diabetic patients is complex.
- Patient lifestyle and comorbidities significantly influence functional outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze diabetic limb salvage outcomes over 20 years.
- To compare limb salvage with amputation in diabetic patients.
- To identify surgical techniques optimizing amputation outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of diabetic limb salvage cases.
- Comparison with existing literature on amputation vs. limb salvage.
- Analysis of surgical techniques for foot and leg amputations.
Main Results:
- Limb salvage with a team approach achieved a 64% ambulation rate and 80% 2-year survival.
- Below-knee amputation resulted in a similar ambulatory rate but a 52% 2-year survival.
- Ambulatory rates decreased with comorbidities; however, foot salvage improved walking chances compared to amputation.
Conclusions:
- Optimal functional outcomes and quality of life can be achieved through either limb salvage or amputation.
- Personalized treatment matching patient lifestyle and conditions is crucial.
- Physicians must tailor solutions to patient needs for desired activity levels.
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