Pattern, type of amputation and mortality rate associated with diabetic foot in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to identify patterns, types of amputations and assess the related mortality rate among patients with diabetic foot. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 266 patients with diabetic foot ulcers or gangrene treated at King Faisal Hospital, Makkah (2020â€"2025). Amputations were classified as minor or major. Results: Amputation occurred in 97% of patients (64% minor, 36.4% major), predominantly due to infection (75.7%). Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission was 25.9%, and mortality was 14.7%. Minor amputations were associated with better survival, whereas major amputations, particularly above-knee, were associated with higher mortality (p-value<0.05). ICU admission was the only independent predictor of mortality (p-value<0.001). Conclusion: In this study, diabetic foot ulcer patients faced high amputation risks from infection and delayed treatment. Minor amputations were inversely linked to survival, while major amputations and ICU admission significantly increased mortality. Disease severity and progression drive mortality risk. This highlighted the critical need for prompt identification and early intervention to prevent advanced limb loss.