Amputation, whether due to medical conditions or traumatic events, presents significant challenges and costs for individuals. This article delves into limb loss statistics, highlighting the prevalence, causes, and financial implications of amputations.
If you or someone you know is navigating the complexities of life after an amputation, contact our experienced personal injury lawyers today for compassionate guidance and legal assistance.
The annual incidence of limb loss is estimated at 464,644.
The above limb loss statistics were obtained between 2016 and 2021. Lower-body amputations (83%) were much more frequent than upper-limb amputations (17%).
Toe amputations were the most frequent, with over 250,000 cases annually. Lower leg amputations followed with over 150,000 cases each year. Foot amputations were also prevalent, nearing 120,000 cases annually.
Upper leg amputations accounted for approximately 110,000 cases per year, while finger amputations occurred around 100,000 times annually. In addition to these specific body parts, there were numerous unspecified amputations.
Other amputations, including those of the hands, upper arms, lower arms, thumbs, legs, ankles, multiple legs, arms, and pelvis, occurred with significantly lower frequency. [1]
57.6% of amputees had a history of diabetes prior to the amputation.
Other prevalent diagnoses before amputation included infections (42.8%), vascular disease such as peripheral arterial disease (39.3%), ulcers (37.7%), and osteomyelitis (26.5%). Contrary to the common perception that amputations are mainly due to trauma, only 12.9% of cases were linked to a traumatic event. [1]
- 85% of lower-limb amputations are preceded by a foot ulcer. [3]
- Nearly 50% of the individuals who undergo an amputation due to vascular disease will die within five years. This mortality rate is higher than the five-year mortality rates for breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer. [4]
- The number of amputations caused by diabetes increased by 24% between 1988 and 2009. [5]
- Among individuals with diabetes who undergo a lower extremity amputation, up to 55% will require amputation of the second leg within two to three years. [4]
Traumatic amputations are primarily caused by motor vehicle accidents, with work-related accidents and machinery-related incidents following closely behind.
Losing a limb can profoundly affect a person’s capacity to work and earn an income, often leading to diminished earning potential and greater challenges in securing employment.
If you or a loved one has experienced a traumatic limb loss and are facing challenges related to work and earning capacity, our dedicated team of amputation injury lawyers is here to help.
There are an estimated 2.3 million Americans living with limb loss.
- The above figure is estimated to reach 3.6 million in 2050. [1]
- Another 28 million Americans are estimated to be at risk of amputation surgery. [1]
- The mortality rate among these individuals is 18.5%. In the period analyzed, people of color experienced higher mortality rates compared to white individuals, with rates of 20.2% versus 18.5% for men and 25% versus 18.3% for women. [1, 2]
- Men are more than twice as likely to undergo amputations compared to women. A 2014 study on the gender distribution of limb loss patients showed a significant disparity, with 69% being male and 31% female. [3]
- African Americans are 4X more likely to undergo an amputation than white Americans. [3]
The majority of cases are estimated to be among older adults.
Specifically, 46% of amputations are performed on individuals aged 45-64, and 36% on those aged 65-84. A smaller proportion of amputations, 6%, involve patients over the age of 85. Younger adults aged 18-44 account for 11% of the cases, while only 1% of amputations were performed on children and adolescents aged 1-17. Infants under the age of one represent a mere 0.2% of limb loss cases. [3]
The lifetime healthcare costs for people with limb loss amount to $509,275, compared to $361,200 for those without limb loss.
- In 2014, hospital charges for patients who underwent an amputation totaled $10 billion. [3]
- The cost of a new prosthetic leg ranges between $5,000 and $50,000. However, even the priciest prosthetic limbs are designed to last only three to five years, necessitating multiple replacements throughout a person’s lifetime. Consequently, prosthetic rehabilitation represents a recurring expense rather than a one-time purchase. [8]
The timing of receiving a prosthesis post-operation significantly impacts the overall healthcare costs for patients.
Patients who started prosthetic use within the first three months after surgery saw the greatest savings, with costs reduced by approximately 21% compared to those who did not receive a prosthesis.
Patients who received a prosthesis between four to six months post-operation had only about 2% lower costs than those without a prosthesis, indicating minimal savings. Those fitted with a prosthesis between seven to nine months post-operation experienced a cost reduction of approximately 5%.
The highest costs were incurred by patients who received their prosthesis between ten to twelve months post-operation, with expenses increasing by around 59% compared to those who did not receive prosthetics. [6]
36% of people living with limb loss experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. [3]
92% of patients indicated that a peer visit substantially improved their outlook, and over 75% are estimated to belong to at least one support group.
The most common reason for joining is to obtain information about living with limb loss, cited by 21.3%. Networking with other amputees and healthcare professionals is the second most common reason, mentioned by 18.8%.
Making new friends motivates 13.1% of amputees to join a support group. Learning about new prosthetic technology and acquiring new skills as an amputee are each reasons for 11.9%.
Additionally, 10% join to learn about new amputee support services, while 8.1% are interested in new amputee support technologies. Finally, 5% of amputees join support groups for other unspecified reasons. [7]
Sources: [1] Avalere, [2] Avalere, [3] ACL, [4] Amputee Coalition, [5] Advanced Amputees, [6] American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, [7] PubMed, [8] HSS