Research note: Diabetes-related major lower limb amputation in Far North Queensland, 1998-2008

Objective. To report on the accuracy of reports of diabetes-related major amputations, rates per 100 000 people and trends over the 10-year period from 1998-99 to 2007-08 in Far North Queensland. Methods. Three data sources were cross-checked. Poisson regression was used to calculate the percentage change in trends in diabetes amputation hospitalisations over the period. Results. There was a discrepancy of 6 (3.7%) in 161 cases over 10 years. The number of diabetes-related hospitalisations for major lower limb amputation did not show a significant trend during this period, with an annual percentage change of -0.32%, P = 0.915. Conclusion. Amputation data in Far North Queensland were accurate. There was a modest reduction in the hospitalisation rate for major lower limb amputation over the 10-year period, demonstrating the need for improvements in the organisation of care.