Diabetic foot amputations in Nigeria; raising awareness to the burden of diabetic foot syndrome

Abstract

Background: In recent times, our community has been inundated with an increasing number of amputees and of course an increasing number of people requiring lower limb prosthesis. We have also witnessed a surge in the prevalence of Diabetes, Diabetic Foot Syndrome and Diabetic foot gangrene.

Aim: The aim of this study is to highlight the increasing contribution of Diabetic Foot Gangrene to our teaming population of Amputees and to emphasize that this can be ameliorated with definite, multidisciplinary Public Health Strategies aimed at increasing awareness to this ailment as well as early diagnosis and control of Diabetes.

Methods: This was a descriptive, quantitative and prospective study of all amputations done at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and selected Private Hospitals in Uyo, Niger Delta region of Nigeria which is ongoing.

Results: A total of 49 unilateral amputations of either the upper or lower limb were done. They were 21 Males and 28 Females. Patients in the 4^th to 6^th decades of life who had Diabetic foot gangrene, majority of whom were females were the highest number who underwent amputation 30 (61.2%). Most of the patients 27, out of 30 (90%) were diagnosed as Diabetic for the first time with foot gangrene. There is therefore a strong need to increase the awareness of our society to Diabetes and the negative effects of its complications particularly diabetic foot syndrome and gangrene.

Conclusion: Diabetic foot gangrene was the commonest indication for amputation in this series and was responsible for 30 out of 49 (61.2%) amputations.