A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF FACTORS INFLUENCING MAJOR AMPUTATIONS IN DIABETIC FOOT

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a leading cause of lower extremity amputation globally, especially in India, known as the Diabetic Capital. Globally, diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of non-traumatic amputations. Perhaps the most dreaded consequence of diabetes is amputation.Amputations affect longevity and quality of life. Amputations are linked to higher rates of re-amputation and mortality within the rst decade. Prompt therapy and early diagnosis are required. The number of amputations can be decreased by a collaborative effort. The METHODS: descriptive study was conducted between March 2023 and February 2025 and comprised 20 cases, regardless of age group, of both males and females who had been amputated in a surgical ward. By taking a random blood sugar reading upon admission, diabetes was diagnosed. A questionnaire was used to gather the following information. Ÿ Diabetes duration Ÿ Prior history of minor amputations Ÿ Presence or absence of smoking habit Ÿ Educational status Ÿ Whether patient is using footwear or not. RESULTS: This study included 20 patients: 2 (10%) females and 18 (90%) males, with a mean age of 60 years (range 45-75). The average hospital stay was 23.4 days, and the mean number of who underwent previous minor amputation of lower extremity was 8. Diabetes mellitus was found in 20 (100%) patients, 4 (20%) had <5 years history of diabetes,7(35%) had 5-15 years history of diabetes, and 9(45%) had >15 years history of diabetes.Polymicrobial infections were the most common among the study subjects followed by pseudomonas aeruginosa. Amputation frequently serves as a life-saving or CONCLUSION: palliative treatment. Major amputations in the younger age groups have serious economic consequences.Prosthetics and rehabilitation can reduce this strain. Preventive measures remain the most cost-effective.