"LIMB LOSS STATISTICS
- Currently, 2 million people in the United States are living with limb loss
- 54% of Americans - because of vascular disease
- 45% of Americans- because of trauma
- Less than 2%- Because of cancer
- Approximately 185,000 amputations occur in the United States each year.
- In 2009, hospital costs associated with amputation totaled more than $8.3 billion.
- African‐Americans are up to four times more likely to have an amputation than white Americans.
- Nearly half of the individuals who have an amputation due to vascular disease will die within 5 years. This is higher than the five year mortality rates for breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.
- Of persons with diabetes who have a lower extremity amputation, up to 55% will require amputation of the second leg within 2‐3 years" (Amputee Coalition).