Information for Patients

Amputation Overview

Amputation is the loss of any part of an extremity, generally an arm or leg, due to traumatic injury or illness. Illnesses can include vascular diseases, infections and cancer but the primary health reason for amputation is diabetes. According to the National Health Interview Survey (1994) for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are over 1.5 million people in the U.S. who have an extremity absence. With an estimated 80,000 additional amputations per year due to diabetes, the incidence of amputation accounts for approximately 0.5 % of the population in the United States.

What can you do to reduce the risk of an amputation? See your doctor regularly, watch your diet and don't smoke. If you are a diabetic, monitor your sugar levels closely and practice good foot hygiene. More than half of lower limb amputations are due to complications of diabetes.

If you are or become an amputee, developing a good relationship with your prosthetist is very important to the success of your rehabilitation. Your prosthetist will work with your physician and physical therapist as a team to coordinate the best outcome for your lifestyle.