Amputation Prevention Center

Dr. Adam Isaac

Dr. Adam L. Isaac

Complications of diabetes, in particular foot ulcers, represent some of the most challenging conditions faced by healthcare providers, patients and their caretakers. According to the latest research, it is estimated that up to 25% of patients with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer at some point during their lifetime (1), and nearly 1 in 5 requires an amputation (2).  In fact, every 7 seconds around the world someone dies from diabetes, and every 20 seconds someone is amputated (3).  In light of the devastating consequences and overwhelming statistics, it is imperative that patients at risk for developing foot ulcers receive comprehensive care for their diabetes, including regular foot exams, and are referred to the appropriate specialist if and when a complication occurs.

We are proud to announce the establishment of our Amputation Prevention Center (APC).  The APC is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of lower extremity complications of diabetes, including ulceration, infection and amputation, as well as other limb-threatening conditions, and specializes in the management of high-risk patients with structural foot deformities, neuro-vascular compromise, and systemic diseases affecting the lower extremity.  The goal is to improve patient outcomes by conducting innovative clinical trials and enrolling eligible patients into advanced research studies focused on wound healing and limb preservation.

Special Services Offered

  • Advanced wound healing
  • Comprehensive offloading
  • Surgical reconstruction (if indicated)
  • Clinical trials

Our Approach to Care

Patients at risk for developing foot ulcers and other lower extremity complications of diabetes, including amputation, require specialized care from experienced doctors with expertise in the fields of wound healing and amputation prevention.  Our doctors develop treatment plans based on the individual needs of our patients, and rely on the latest research and technology to inform decision making.

Location

Frederick, MD (Solarex Ct)

604 Solarex Court, Suite 103
Frederick, MD 21703
Phone: 301-698-9260
Fax: 301-698-8962

Facts and Figures

  • Diabetes affects 30 million people in the US and more than 415 million people worldwide.
    (Diabetesatlas.org / American Diabetes Association)
  • More than half of all foot ulcers (wounds) will become infected, requiring hospitalization, and 20% of infections result in amputation.
    (Lavery, Armstrong, et al.  Diabetes Care 2006)
  • Seconds Count: Every 7 seconds someone dies from diabetes.  Every 20 seconds someone is amputated.
    (International Diabetes Federation / Diabetesatlas.org / Armstrong, et al, Diabetes Care 2013).
  • Every 1.2 seconds someone develops a diabetic foot ulcer.
    (Armstrong, Boulton, Bus, NEJM, 2017)
  • The cost of diabetic foot ulcers is greater than that of the five most costly forms of cancer.
  • 60-70% of those with diabetes will develop peripheral neuropathy, or lose sensation in their feet.
    (Dyck et al.  Diabetic Neuropathy 1999)
  • More than 90% of people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy are unaware they have it.
  • Diabetes contributes to approximately 80% of the 120,000 non-traumatic amputations performed yearly in the United States.
    (Armstrong et al. Amer Fam Phys 1998)
  • After a major amputation, 50% of people will have their other limb amputated within 2 years.
    (Goldner. Diabetes 1960)

For more information, please visit:

Special thanks to David G. Armstrong, DPM, MD, PhD for the statistics and info graphics above.

References

  1. Singh, Nalini, David G. Armstrong, and Benjamin A. Lipsky. “Preventing foot ulcers in patients with diabetes.” Jama 293.2 (2005): 217-228).
  2. Lavery, Lawrence A., et al. “Risk factors for foot infections in individuals with diabetes.” Diabetes care 29.6 (2006): 1288-1293).
  3. Armstrong, David G., et al. “Mind the gap: disparity between research funding and costs of care for diabetic foot ulcers.” Diabetes Care 36.7 (2013): 1815-1817).