Gangrene in the diabetic foot: its implications and consequences.

Diabetic problems of the feet are not uncommon. Occasionally, these difficulties progress to the point where surgical intervention is required. A case was presented which involved a deep abscess of the foot that compromised the circulation to the toe. Ultimately, open toe amputation was necessary. The etiologic factors causing diabetic complications were presented and the importance of each was stressed. The preoperative considerations for surgical amputation and debridement were defined, as well as the possibility for successful healing.