Long-Term Outcomes of Diabetic Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia Followed in a Tertiary Referral Diabetic Foot Clinic

Abstract

Early diagnosis of CLI, aggressive treatment of infection, and extensive use of percutaneous angioplasty in ischemic affected ulcers offers improved outcome for many previously at-risk limbs. Ulcer size >5 cm(2) indicates a reduced chance of healing and increased risk of major amputation. It was thought that all ulcers warrant aggressive treatment including percutaneous angioplasty and that treatment should be considered even for small ischemic ulcers.