Abstract
Minor amputation reduces the contact surface area and results in an imbalance of plantar load. This imbalance of load may lead to a high risk of ulceration in previous lesions of digital amputation. In this case report, we examined the characteristics of plantar load in two walk-in diabetic patients with a history of minor amputation and contralateral digital ulcers. Both patients had peripheral neuropathy and insufficient ankle dorsiflexion was observed. Based on the investigation, the weight-bearing on forefoot ulcer lesions was markedly lower than that on the contralateral minor amputation site. However, in Case 1, the forefoot weight-bearing was higher than average for healthy elderly people, whereas in Case 2, it was lower than average. Although both patients had common physical findings, the 10-meter walking time in Case 1 was approximately 10 seconds shorter than that in Case 2. Comparing the two cases, differences in forefoot load while walking depend on kinematic factors, such as walking speed, even if patients have the same physical findings.
