Trans-metatarsal amputation in patients with a diabetic foot: reviewing 10 years experience

Foot (Edinb). 2009 Dec;19(4):201-4. doi: 10.1016/j.foot.2009.07.005. Epub 2009 Aug 22.

Abstract

Considerable disagreement exists whether trans-metatarsal amputations are indicated in persons with diabetes. A previous study reported that statistically the success rate of Syme's amputation in diabetic patients over 65 years of age resulted in a very poor results. The purpose of this study was to investigate the results of trans-metatarsal amputations, in patients with diabetes and to seek markers which could shed light upon the advantages/disadvantages of this procedure. The records of 46 patients covering a 10-year period (1996-2006) were used as a database. Twelve needed higher amputation level and another 10 needed a wound revision. All the patients that maintained the original amputation level walk without a need for a prosthesis and kept their previous abode. TMA in diabetic patients, although at a high risk for an extrasurgical procedure, once successful, the patient will regain his previous lifestyle.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Amputation, Surgical*
  • Diabetes Complications / complications
  • Diabetic Foot / complications
  • Diabetic Foot / surgery*
  • Female
  • Forefoot, Human / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Kaplan-Meier Estimate
  • Male
  • Metatarsal Bones / surgery*
  • Middle Aged