Comparative analysis of four systems of classification of diabetic foot ulcers in predicting lower extremity amputation (LEA) rate

Patients with diabetic foot ulcer who meet the eligibility criteria presenting to the Kasturba Hospital Surgery OPD or admitted as in-patients will be recruited into the study. Detailed clinical examination will be performed and data will be collected using a proforma, including patient demographic details, history of diabetes, ulcer history and clinical examination findings. Baseline characteristics of the ulcer will be recorded. On the basis of the clinical examination, the ulcer will be staged under the four classifications intended to be compared. The patient will be followed up after one month telephonically to assess the outcome of each case, primarily in the form of lower extremity amputation and secondarily as need for debridement, development of sepsis and need for ICU stay.