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Amputation of a body part is a "life-changing event." Body image, mood, mobility, ability to care for one's self, work, and non-work-related activities are all affected. Many issues arise following the loss of all or part of a person's limb(s); however, the long-term outcomes for amputees continue to improve.

Amputation Statistics

Although over 90% of limb loss is "acquired", up to 4% is congenital (present at birth). Of the roughly 185,000 amputation surgeries performed each year in the United States,

• up to 90% are due to vascular disease (circulation problems), especially in people with diabetes, but also in non-diabetic smokers.
• the remaining ~10% are needed, either after limb trauma or as part of the treatment for benign or malignant limb tumors.

While over 90% of amputations caused by vascular disease involve the lower limb, nearly 70% of amputatio (More)

Understanding Amputation

Commonly Asked Questions

Additional Information