Naven Duggal, MD, FRCSC, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.

Diabetes mellitus is a major cause of nontraumatic lower extremity amputation in Canada and the United States. This multisystemic disease is most effectively managed by a team approach. Structural abnormalities and the resultant plantar ulcers will increase the risk of amputation among older adults with diabetes. Effective management of the diabetic foot begins with education and prevention.
Key words: diabetic foot, amputation, diabetic ulcers, Charcot arthropathy.