- 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.
- Phocomelias
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.
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