Facts About Amputation
- 90% of all amputations are lower extremity
- 77% Males
- 3 million amputees in United States, estimated
- 50% between 21 - 65 years old
- #1 cause - vascular
- 50% of vascular amputations are caused by Diabetes
- 80% of diabetic amputations are over 50 years old
- Majority of Diabetic amputations are preventable
- The reasons for an amputation include congenital amputation, tumors, vascular diseases, infections, and trauma
- Trauma is the second leading cause for amputation.
- Tumors (any growth that necessitates amputation) are the third most common cause for amputation.
- Congenital amputation (being born without a limb), is the least common reason for amputation.
- Phocomelia usually presents itself as very small, deformed versions of normal limbs
- Gangrene is a deadly infection that must be amputated before it spreads, usually found on the foot of victims with poor circulation.
- Radiation exposure near the site of the Chernobyl disaster in Russia have left numerous children limb deficient
- Thalidomide in tranquilizers were given to pregnant mothers in Western Europe of the early 1960s. The result was a drastic increase in the number of babies born with deformed limbs.