Leg Amputations Are on the Decline for Diabetes Patients

An analysis of Medicare part B claims from 2000 to 2010 for the cause and locations of amputations showed a 29% decline in the overall rate of lower extremity amputations. Furthermore, among diabetes patients, there was a 47% drop of upper and lower leg amputations over the 10 year period. However, partial toes amputation, which has a less negative impact on patients’ quality of life, increased by 24% for diabetic patients. Belatti DA, Phisitkul P. Declines in Lower Extremity Amputation in the US Medicare Population, 2000-2010. Foot Ankle Int. 2013 Jul;34(7):923-31