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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