Amputation versus circular external fixation in the treatment of diabetic foot with osteomyelitis: a cost and quality-of-life analysis.

Background: Charcot foot is a severe complication of diabetes mellitus. Amputation is associated with 5-year mortality rates as high as 70%, and the overall treatment cost for diabetic foot surpasses that of conditions such as cancer or depression. Objectives: To compare clinical, quality-of-life, and cost outcomes related to Charcot foot management through two distinct treatments: amputation and resection with stabilization using circular external fixation (CEF). Methods: This retrospective study included all adult patients treated at our unit between 2008 and 2022 for acute diabetic foot with infected ulcers. The allocation to treatment groups was based on the timing of patient enrollment. We gathered anthropometric, diagnostic, and surgical data, documenting individualized costs for preoperative, postoperative, and rehabilitation phases. Health status was assessed using the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire, and recorded data included mortality. Results: A total of 31 patients (18 amputations; 13 CEF) were included. Amputees exhibited significantly higher mortality compared to those with a CEF (44.8% vs 7.7%, Conclusion: In treating infected diabetic foot ulcers, external fixation leads to a better quality of life compared to amputation. There's also a trend suggesting higher survival rates with external fixation, and both approaches have similar costs.