Friday, July 26, 2013

Something to Celebrate

As a podiatrist, I read with interest a recent study that shows a drastic increase in lower extremity diabetic amputations.  The study was published in this month's Foot and Ankle International.  The study pointed out when looking at Medicare claims from 2000-2010, lower extremity amputations decreased 28.8%.  I am wondering if this is related to the 143.3% increase in the treatment of foot ulcers in the same time period.  Also interesting is that amputations at the upper and lower leg level are down 47% while partial toe amputations increased 24%.  (Sometimes a toe amputation is needed to be done by a physician like myself to prevent the infection from getting worse).  To me this means podiatrists are saving feet and legs.

This is a big deal on many levels.  First, it saves money.  Lower extremity amputations cost our health care system a lot of money.  Second, it improves patients quality of life.  Obviously, having a limb amputation is a big deal and can lead to other problems.  Earlier studies have found that a lower extremity amputation has a mortality rate of 50% within 5 years.  So one can argue that saving some one's limb, saves some one's life.

I am proud to have a hand in all of this and excited to continue to help bring down the level of amputations in my community.

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