Amputations : Resources and Information for Amputees

What is an amputation?

Amputation is an acquired condition that results in the loss of a limb, usually from injury, disease, or surgery. Congenital (present at birth) limb deficiency occurs when an infant is born without part or all of a limb. In the US, 82 percent of amputations are due to vascular disease, 22 percent to trauma, 4 percent are congenital, and 4 percent are due to tumors. About 1.9 million individuals in the US are living with an amputation, with approximately 113,000 lower limb amputations performed each year according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

What causes the need for amputations?

The causes for amputation may include any of the following:

• diseases - such as blood vessel disease (called peripheral vascular disease or PVD), diabetes, blood clots, or osteomyelitis (an infection in the bones).
• injuries - especially of the arms. Seventy-five percent of upper extremity amputations are related to trauma.
• surgery - to remove tumors from bones and muscles.