Life expectancy of patients with diabetic foot sepsis post-lower extremity amputation at a regional hospital in a South African setting. A retrospective cohort study.

Background: Diabetes foot sepsis (DFS) is the leading cause of amputation of lower extremities. Over 50 % of patients who have had major lower extremity amputation due to DFS are dead within 4 years following the procedure.

Aim: To determine the life expectancy of patients following amputation for DFS at a regional hospital in South Africa.