According to the National Limb Loss Information Center, in the United States there are approximately 1.7 million living with limb loss. It is estimated that one out of every 200 people in the U.S. has had an amputation. The most common reason for amputation are vascular complications (mainly diabetes), cancer, and trauma. Regardless of the reason for your amputation, you are not alone. While your personal experience of limb loss is unique, many others have successfully overcome the loss or absence of a limb and regained function and a positive outlook.
There will be many questions along the way as you prepare for your life as an amputee and the best course to take is to communicate with those on your rehabilitation team. Your physician, physical therapist, occupational therapist, and prosthetist are those who are here to help you become a successful wearer of a prosthetic device, but it it ultimately up to you to take charge of your care and your life as an amputee.
Levels Of Lower Extremity Amputations
- Hemipelvectomy (transpelvic)
- Hip disarticulation
- Above knee amputation (transfemoral)
- Through the knee amputations
- Below knee amputations (transtibial)
- Ankle disarticulation
- Partial foot amputation