Lower-Extremity Amputation Risk After Charcot Arthropathy and Diabetic Foot Ulcer

OBJECTIVE: To compare risks of lower-extremity amputation between patients with Charcot arthropathy and those with diabetic foot ulcers. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort of patients with incident Charcot arthropathy or diabetic foot ulcers in 2003 was followed for 5 years for any major and minor amputations in the lower extremities. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 37 ± 20 and 43 ± 18 months, the Charcot and ulcer groups had 4.1 and 4.7 amputations per 100 person-years, respectively. Among patients