Sequelae of limited amputation

Ninety patients underwent toe amputations because of vascular disease; 21% required higher amputation and 21% healed without further surgery (i.e., revascularization). Of 60 patients who required bypass surgery, 52 underwent successful first amputations and eight required higher amputations. No difference was seen between diabetic and nondiabetic patients in eventual limb salvage; however, men fared better than women. Without bypass surgery, 11 of 30 patients required a higher level of amputation. No patient's toe amputation site healed with an ankle-to-brachial index of less than 0.35. The judicious use of toe amputation remains an important tool in the surgeon's quest for limb salvage.