Reduction of major amputations in the diabetic ischaemic foot: A strategy to "take control" with conservative care as well as revascularisation

The diabetic ischaemic foot has become an increasingly frequent problem over the last decade. However, we report a new approach consisting of a basic classification, a simple staging system of the natural history and a treatment plan for each stage, within a multi-disciplinary framework. This approach of "taking control" consists of two parts: 1. long-term conservative care including debridement of ulcers (to obtain wound control), eradication of sepsis (micribiological control), and provision of therapeutic footwear (mechanical control), and 2. revascularisation by angioplasty, and arterial bypass (vascular control). This approach has led to a 50% reduction in the rate of major amputations in patients attending with ischaemic ulceration and absent foot pulses from 1989 to 1999 (from 4.6% to 2.3% per year). Patients who underwent angioplasty increased from 6% to 13%. Arterial bypass similarly increased from 3% to 7% of cases. However even with an increased rate of revascularisation, 80% of patients responded to conservative care alone. This,we conclude, is an essential part of the management of all patients with ischaemic feet.