Karl-Friedrich Kreitner, MD

Preoperative failure to identify vessels that could be recanalized or used for graft anastomosis may result in unnecessary amputations

Foot complications associated with diabetes are the most common cause of nontraumatic lower extremity amputations in the industrialized world. Research indicates that the risk of lower limb amputation is 15 to 46 times higher in diabetic patients than in nondiabetics. Common risk factors include peripheral neuropathy, structural foot deformity, infection, ulceration, and peripheral arterial occlusive disease.