Distal Limb Amputations in Diabetics

Wherever possible, distal limb amputations should be performed to avoid major amputations such as below knee and above knee amputations. Distal limb amputations certainly give a better quality of life to the patient compared with major amputations. However, in order to succeed, the indications must be strictly followed. The vascularity of the foot must be good or the wounds will not heal. At least one foot pulse must be clinically palpable. This chapter describes the techniques of such operations which must be followed in meticulous detail. Operations described are ray amputation, transmetatarsal amputation and Syme's amputation.