Each year, approximately 185,000 Americans undergo amputation of a limb and about 1,000 children are born with a limb difference. In fact, it was estimated in 2005 that nearly 1.9 million people in this country are living with the loss of a limb. Limb loss may result from an injury, such as a fall or a motor vehicle crash, or may occur as a result of a disease such as diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, or cancer of a bone or joint. While there has been a marked decline in the number of injury-related or traumatic amputations in the U.S. due to innovations in treatment and injury prevention, there has been a sharp increase in the number of new cases of amputations in people with diabetes and vascular disease. Over half of all amputations in the U.S. are performed on people who have been diagnosed with diabetes. The risk of limb loss increases with age. Seniors age 65 and older have the greatest risk of amputation. As with diabetes and heart disease, smoking, poor nutrition and lack of exercise may also increase the risk of amputation. Certain racial and ethnic groups are at increased risk of amputation. African Americans are 1.5 to 3.5 times more likely to undergo amputation of a limb than non-Hispanic white Americans. Similarly, Hispanic Americans are 3.6 times more likely to undergo amputation than non-Hispanic white Americans. These differences are largely due to a higher number of people within the African American and Hispanic community living with diabetes and vascular disease.

Although we know a lot about the number of amputations that are performed each year, we know less about how an amputation impacts a person’s everyday living and quality of life.

Missing from research studies about amputation was one important question: What is life like after an amputation? This question is key to exploring other questions, such as: What do people living with limb loss need to live the best life possible, and how do we meet those needs? From the beginning, it was clear that we needed to hear from the people who were the “experts” — those living with the loss of a limb or limbs, every day.

The purpose of the consumer survey was to determine how well people with limb loss were functioning in their everyday lives and what services they may need, but are not getting. This information is important for healthcare planners, policymakers and service providers to ensure that people with amputations receive what they need to live healthy and productive lives. With this in mind, survey questions were written to look at the following:

1. The overall health and well-being of people with limb loss
2. The need for services such as medical care and rehabilitation
3. The use of, and satisfaction with, prosthetic devices and related services
4. Environmental barriers and attitudes that impact overall well-being

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