Outcome of transmetatarsal amputations in diabetics using antibiotic beads.

Background: Diabetic patients with transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) for chronic forefoot ulceration or necrosis are at high risk for postoperative skin breakdown and subsequent amputation. Locally applied antibiotics may reduce the revision rate and improve the outcome.

Material And Methods: In a retrospective comparative study, 60 diabetic patients (65 feet) with forefoot ulceration or necrosis were treated with TMA by three surgeons in three hospitals.