From the Research
A toe amputation typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete, depending on the complexity of the procedure and which toe is being amputated. The surgery is usually performed under local or regional anesthesia, though general anesthesia may be used in some cases. Before the procedure, patients will undergo preoperative testing and evaluation. During the surgery, the surgeon makes an incision, removes the affected toe, ties off blood vessels, and shapes the remaining bone for optimal healing. After the procedure, patients can expect a hospital stay of 1-3 days, followed by a recovery period of 4-8 weeks. Pain management typically includes medications like acetaminophen, NSAIDs, or in some cases, short-term opioids like hydrocodone or oxycodone. Physical therapy often begins within days after surgery to maintain mobility and strength. Complications to watch for include infection, bleeding, poor wound healing, and phantom limb pain. The relatively short duration of the procedure helps minimize anesthesia risks while allowing surgeons sufficient time to perform the amputation with precision.
According to the most recent study 1, diabetic patients had significantly more reoperations, reamputations, and new ulcers than non-diabetic patients at 12-month and final follow-up, highlighting the need for close, multi-disciplinary care. The study also found that patients with partial toe amputation developed more new ulcers at 12 months and final follow-up and were more likely to have a distal final amputation level compared to those with complete toe amputation.
Key considerations for toe amputation include:
- Preoperative testing and evaluation
- Choice of anesthesia
- Postoperative pain management
- Physical therapy to maintain mobility and strength
- Monitoring for complications such as infection, bleeding, and poor wound healing
- Close follow-up care, especially for diabetic patients.
It is essential to note that the duration of antibiotic therapy after amputation is still debated, but a study from 2019 2 found that discontinuing antibiotics immediately after surgery did not alter the failure rate, and another study from 2013 3 recommended individualized treatment duration, with a suggested 2-5 day course of antibiotic therapy post-operatively when no residual infected tissue remains.