How common is lower limb amputation?

Approximately 150000 patients per year undergo a lower extremity amputation in the United States. The most common causes leading to amputation are diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, neuropathy, and trauma.

What is the leading cause of lower extremity amputation?

Diabetes is the leading cause of lower–limb amputations in the United States.” The researchers analyzed data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey on non–traumatic lower–limb amputations and from the National Health Interview Survey on the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes from 1988–2008.

How many people have lower limb amputations?

The Amputee Coalition of America estimates that there are 185,000 new lower extremity amputations each year just within the United States and an estimated population of 2 million American amputees. It is projected that the amputee population will more than double by the year 2050 to 3.6 million.

How common is amputation?

About 1.8 million Americans are living with amputations. Amputation of the leg — either above or below the knee — is the most common amputation surgery.

When does the prevalence of lower limb amputation increase?

The prevalence of lower-limb amputation increases with age, with >50% of diabetic amputees greater than 70 years of age.8 Individuals who have diabetes experience lower-limb amputation at a slightly younger age than those who have vascular disease alone.

What are the statistics on limb loss in the United States?

Limb Loss Statistics. There are nearly 2 million people living with limb loss in the United States (1). Among those living with limb loss, the main causes are vascular disease (54%) – including diabetes and peripheral arterial disease – trauma (45%) and cancer (less than 2%) (1).

What should I do if I have a lower limb amputation?

A long-handled mirror is a useful aide for self-inspection of the lower limbs, as visualization is often limited by a patient’s flexibility and/or body habitus. Ideally, a team approach to functional assessment and educating the patients on amputation-related issues should be implemented.

What are the main causes of limb loss?

Among those living with limb loss, the main causes are vascular disease (54%) – including diabetes and peripheral arterial disease – trauma (45%) and cancer (less than 2%) (1). Approximately 185,000 amputations occur in the United States each year (2). In 2009, hospital costs associated with amputation totaled more than $8.3 billion (3)