December 29th, 2008

Reports the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

“…the Dartmouth Atlas ranks [Pennsylvania] 41st nationwide with 1.23 lower-limb amputations per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries. The national average from 2003 to 2006 is 1.1 amputations per 1,000.

That gives Pennsylvania the worst amputation rate in the Northeast, 15 percent higher than Indiana and 38 percent higher than Rhode Island and Michigan. Only 10 southern states and West Virginia have worse rates than Pennsylvania.

…

The American Podiatric Medical Association says the national epidemic of diabetes is producing “alarming levels” of lower-limb amputations, which most often occur when the disease is poorly controlled, prompting heart and kidney disease and circulation and eye problems. Poor circulation, especially in people lacking sensation in their legs and feet, can prompt unsuspected foot ulcers, wounds, fractures and deformities that require timely treatment to prevent gangrene and amputation.”

Visit the Post-Gazette for more details.