FOOT FUNCTION IN DIABETIC-PATIENTS AFTER PARTIAL AMPUTATION

The function of partially amputated feet in 10 patients with diabetes mellitus was studied. First-step bilateral barefoot plantar pressure d istribution and three-dimensional kinematic data were collected using a Novel EMED platform and three video cameras. Analysis of the plantar pressure data revealed a significantly greater mean peak plantar pres sure in the feet with transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) than in the int act feet of the same patients. The heels of the amputated feet had sig nificantly lower mean peak plantar pressures than all the forefoot reg ions. A significantly greater maximum dynamic dorsiflexion range of mo tion was seen in the intact compared with the TMA feet. However, no di fference was noted in the static dorsiflexion range of motion between the two feet and there was, therefore, a trend for the TMA feet to use less of the available range of motion. Given the altered kinematics a nd elevated plantar pressures noted in this study, careful postsurgica l footwear management of feet with TMA would appear to be essential if ulceration is to be prevented.