Introduction: Almost all studies on diabetic foot syndrome focused on prevention of amputation and did not investigate long-term prognosis and survival of patients as a primary outcome parameter. Methods:We did a retrospective cohort study including 314 patients who had diabetic foot syndrome and underwent amputation between December 1995 and January 2001. Results: A total of 48% of patients received minor amputation (group I), 15% only major amputation (group II) and 36% initially underwent a minor amputation that was followed by a major amputation (group III). Statistically significant differences were observed in comparison of the median survival of group I to group II (51 vs 40 months; p = 0.016) and of group II to group III (40 vs 55 months; p = 0.003). Discussion: The prognosis of patients with major amputation due to diabetic foot syndrome is comparable to patients with malignant diseases. Vascular interventions did not improve the individual prognosis of patients.

Open carpal tunnel release is the commonest surgical treatment of median nerve compression at the wrist. Although successful in most cases, there are well described complications. We report a case of laceration of the deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve at the level of the hook of hamate following a complicated carpal tunnel decompression. Good surgical technique and knowledge of wrist anatomy are essential for performing this apparently simple procedure safely.

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ABSTRACTopen carpal tunnel release is the commonest surgical treatment of median nerve compression at the wrist. although successful in most cases, there are well described complications. we report a case of laceration of the deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve at the level of the hook of hamate following a complicated carpal tunnel decompression. good surgical technique and knowledge of wrist anatomy are essential for performing this apparently simple procedure safely.