Objective To summarize the literature of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for the treatment of diabetic foot from 2004 to 2009 in China through analyzing its development, the main operative methods as well as the future development tendency. Methods Papers about breast reconstruction from 1987 to 2008 on Chinese Medical Current Content (CMCC) and Chinese Bio-medical Literature Database (CBMdisc) were metrologically analyzed according to journal, institute, operative method, time, content and so on. Results In all 105 papers collected, the first place in terms of journal, institute, author, area, operative method was as follows:Chinese Journal of Clinical Rehabilitation (6 papers), Beijing Capital Medical University (10 papers), Gu Yongquan (9 papers), Beijin (17 papers). Autologous bone marrow stem cell transplantation (ABMSCT) and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (APBSCT) are the main operative methods. Conclusions This paper provides a credible resource for further study through analyzing papers published in China on stem cell transplantation for treatment of diabetic foot in recent years. ABMSCT and APBSCT must be the main trends in the future. Before formulating strict indications, ABMSCT and APBSCT will be the main operation modes of ASCT. Quantifying indications of ASCT and coupling with other drugs in order to make better role of ASCT will be the main subject of the study.