Table 3 Summary of indications for conservative surgical approach or primary amputation

Good blood supply to foot but infected

wet gangrene (infection + ischaemia)

Small vessel disease and gangrenous toes

life-threatening sepsis

Successful surgical bypass

extensive muscle necrosis

Neuropathic foot with little arterial disease

revascularisation technically impossible, bed-ridden patients/functionally useless limb

Osteomyelitis with little arterial disease