Validation of a diabetic wound classification system: The contribution of depth, infection, and ischemia to risk of amputation

David G. Armstrong, Lawrence A. Lavery, Lawrence B. Harkless

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

847 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE - To validate a wound classification instrument that includes assessment of depth, infection, and ischemia based on the eventual outcome of the wound. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - We evaluated the medical records of 360 diabetic patients presenting for care of foot wounds at a multidisciplinary tertiary care foot clinic. As per protocol, all patients had a standardized evaluation to assess wound depth, sensory neuropathy, vascular insufficiency, and infection. Patients were assessed at 6 months after their initial evaluation to see whether an amputation had been performed. RESULTS - There was a significant overall trend toward increased prevalence of amputations as wounds increased in both depth (χ2(trend) = 143.1, P < 0.001) and stage (χ2(trend) = 91.0, P < 0.001). This was true for every subcategory as well with the exception of noninfected, nonischemic ulcers. There were no amputations performed within this stage during the follow-up period. Patients were more than 11 times more likely to receive a midfoot or higher level amputation if their wound probed to bone (18.3 vs. 2.0%, P < 0.001, χ2 = 31.5, odds ratio (OR) = 11.1, CI = 4.0-30.3). Patients with infection and ischemia were nearly 90 times more likely to receive a midfoot or higher amputation compared with patients in less advanced wound stages (76.5 vs. 3.5%. P < 0.001, χ2 = 133.5, OR = 89.6, CI = 25-316). CONCLUSIONS - Outcomes deteriorated with increasing grade and stage of wounds when measured using the University of Texas Wound Classification System.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)855-859
Number of pages5
JournalDiabetes care
Volume21
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Internal Medicine
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Advanced and Specialized Nursing

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