Over 5.6 million Americans live with limb loss or limb differences, a number that continues to grow due to the following risk factors—diabetes, vascular disease, infections, and trauma.

Understanding who goes through amputation surgery, why it happens, and how to improve outcomes can make a real difference for those living with limb loss.

Number of Amputees in the United States

More than 5.6 million people in the United States live with limb loss or difference. This includes 2.3 million individuals with limb loss and 3.4 million with limb differences—a group often overlooked in past research.

Each year, more than 500,000 Americans on average experience limb loss or are born with a limb difference. The vast majority—about 465,000 cases—are due to amputations, while approximately 43,000 involve congenital limb differences.

These numbers come from insurance claims data, but the true figure is likely higher. The study did not account for uninsured individuals or those covered by Veterans Affairs or TRICARE.

Since the total U.S. population in 2024 is 345.4 million, this means about 1 in every 62 Americans or 1.62% of the total population lives with some form of limb loss or difference.

Recovery and rehabilitation after an amputation can be challenging. Among those who undergo below-knee amputations, only 55% were reported to have a good functional outcome, meaning they regain mobility and independence effectively.

For above-knee amputations, the rate drops to 45%, indicating difficulty in adapting to daily activities. These numbers highlight the importance of rehabilitation, prosthetic advancements, and support systems for individuals adjusting to limb loss.

Levels and Types of Amputation

Lower limb amputations are far more common, accounting for 83% of all cases, while upper limb amputations account for only 17%. Toe amputations are the most frequently performed lower limb procedures.

These amputations often result from complications related to diabetes, infections, or peripheral vascular disease (PVD)—a condition that restricts blood flow gradually due to narrowed or blocked blood vessels.

Amputations due to vascular disease carry serious risks. Nearly half of individuals with vascular-related amputations do not survive beyond five years, a mortality rate higher than that of breast, colon, or prostate cancer.

Additionally, people with diabetes-related lower limb amputations face a 55% chance of requiring another amputation on the second leg within just 2-3 years.

Upper limb amputations, on the other hand, though less frequent, usually occur due to traumatic injuries or congenital conditions.

Traumatic amputations are often the result of motor vehicle accidents, followed by workplace incidents and machinery-related injuries.

Whether affecting the arms or legs, the level of amputation significantly impacts mobility, daily activities, and the type of prosthetic needed.

Causes of Amputation

Many amputations result from underlying health conditions, often occurring together or compounding over time.

Diabetes is a major factor, with 57% of amputees having a prior diagnosis. Infections are another common issue, affecting 43% of individuals before amputation, impacting nearly 200,000 people annually.

Vascular disease, which includes conditions like peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD), is linked to 40% of limb loss cases. These diseases restrict blood flow, causing severe tissue damage that may lead to amputation to avoid further complications.

For individuals with severe PAD, it takes about 18 months from an initial minor amputation to a major amputation. This highlights the need for ongoing follow-up and regular evaluation of the affected limb to monitor blood flow and prevent further complications.

Studies also show that revascularization—a procedure to restore blood flow—before a repeat minor amputation can lower the risk of future major amputation. This reinforces the importance of early intervention and continuous post-surgical care to improve long-term outcomes for patients at risk.

For many, the fear of amputation is overwhelming. In a study of patients with foot ulcers, researchers found that many individuals feared major amputation more than death itself. This highlights the emotional and psychological burden associated with limb loss.

Combat injuries are also a factor. Battle-related explosions result in amputation in 93% of cases, and approximately 2% of all combat casualties lead to limb loss. This highlights the impact of war-related injuries on military personnel.

Amputees Demographics

Limb loss is most common among older adults, with nearly 45% of amputees being 65 years or older. Another 42% fall within the 45-64 age group, showing that the majority of amputations occur later in life.

Men are significantly more likely to experience limb loss than women, accounting for roughly 75% of all amputations. This disparity might be linked to higher rates of trauma-related injuries and vascular conditions in men.

Race and income also play a role in amputation rates:

• Black Americans are up to four times more likely to experience limb loss than White Americans.
• Latinx individuals face a 1.5 times higher risk than White individuals.
• Lower-income individuals are disproportionately affected, reflecting disparities in healthcare access and preventative care.

Military personnel have also been impacted by limb loss. More than 1,500 service members lost a limb due to injuries sustained in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Costs of Amputation

Amputation comes with significant financial burdens. In 2009, hospital expenses alone for amputation procedures exceeded $8.3 billion. This figure does not include long-term costs such as rehabilitation, prosthetics, follow-up surgeries, or ongoing medical care.

Diabetes-related amputations cost over $4.3 billion annually in the U.S. The expenses associated with these procedures highlight the urgent need for better prevention and early intervention strategies.

Beyond surgical expenses, amputees face lifelong costs associated with prosthetics, physical therapy, and follow-up medical care. The cost of prosthetic devices can range from $5,000 to over $50,000, depending on complexity.

Since prosthetics often need replacement every few years, the lifetime medical expenses for an amputee can be significantly higher than for individuals without limb loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common amputated limb?

Lower limb amputations are the most common, accounting for 83% of all cases. In contrast, upper limb amputations occur much less frequently, making up only 17% of total amputations.

What percent of the population is missing a limb?

Approximately 1.62% of the U.S. population lives with limb loss or difference. This means that about 1 in every 62 Americans is affected.

What percentage of diabetics have amputations?

Among individuals who undergo amputations, 57% have a prior diagnosis of diabetes. This highlights the strong connection between diabetes and limb loss.

(References: Amputee Coalition, Worldometers, National Library of Medicine, Amputee Coalition, National Library of Medicine)