Towards Limb Preservation
Summary: 2025 document from Wound Canada outlines a national vision for limb preservation in diabetes/chronic lower extremity wounds. Key pillars: Early identification (risk screening, AI tools), multidisciplinary care (endocrinology, vascular, podiatry, wound specialists), evidence-based interventions (offloading, revascularization, advanced dressings/grafts, infection control), patient education/adherence. Addresses inequities (rural/Indigenous access, socioeconomic barriers), high amputation burden, and preventable nature. Recommends standardized pathways, telehealth, real-world evidence, policy advocacy for funding/reimbursement. Emphasizes holistic (glycemic control, nutrition, psychological support) and equitable approaches to minimize major amputations and improve QoL.
Keywords: limb preservation, Wound Canada, DFU prevention, multidisciplinary care