Declaration Statement of the International Accociation of Diabetic Foot Surgeons on COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic is significantly changing health systems worldwide, resulting in a major shift in the allocation of resources.   As for other diseases (cancer, cardiovascular diseases), in diabetic foot limb salvage the risk of disrupting the best practices is quite high. We strongly support the evidence that a multidisciplinary approach can lead to a reduction of hospitalization, limb loss and death in the diabetic population. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has and is creating enormous challenges with regards to resources, hospital access, and continuity of care for active complicated foot wounds. As a result of this crisis, an unintended consequence is that emergent procedures have been delayed with a high risk of limb or life loss.