Influence of Diabetes on Lower Limb Amputation

The purpose of this study is to explore the factors that influence limb fitting in those with diabetes compared to those without diabetes. The population without diabetes will usually present with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and are similar in management following LEA. The impact that not walking with a prosthesis has long term on both populations will be explored. In general, previous research has used retrospective analysis of case notes which, although valuable, have fixed fields and only allow the researcher to look at associations between factors not at causation. Additionally, very few have followed a population over time. Therefore this study will be a prospective observational analysis of all those who undergo a LEA in one year from 01/03/14 to 28/02/15 within the Greater Glasgow \& Clyde area with follow up at 6, 12 \& 18 months from date of amputation.