Before undergoing amputation of a lower limb, one hundred and forty-six patients suffering from arteriosclerosis were studied with the purpose of finding prognostic indicators of success at the most distal level. The best results were obtained when skin perfusion pressure was above 60 mmHg in diabetics and above 40 mmHg in non-diabetics. Lower limb systolic blood pressure and skin thermometry also proved to be useful. The method proposed might be helpful to the surgeon in choosing the best treatment for the patient. It is a nonivasive procedure which can be easily performed and does not require sophisticated or expensive equipment.