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Background Information | There are approximately 16 million diabetics in the US according to the NID, with 15% of those patients developing a diabetic foot ulcer. The amputation rate of those with ulcers is 12-24%, which accounts for > 50% of the non-traumatic LEAs in the US. This must be correlated with the overall rate of diabetes in the US of 3%; with higher incidence of individuals in the Eastern US, African-American, and Native Americans. Additionally, 85% of all LEAs are preceded by an ulcer. In 1990, there were approximately 54,000 LEAs due to diabetes. There are several sobering facts associated with these |  |
amputations, first and most significant is the 5-year mortality rate is between 39-68%. The peri-operative mortality rate was 5.8% from 1989-1992 according to the NDHS. Approximately 28-51% of amputees undergo an amputation of the other limb; 9-20% requires further amputation of the same limb or amputation of the other limb within 12 months. Those patients who do have their ulcers healed have a recurrence rate of 66% and amputation rate of 12%. |
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