Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Cureus

Abstract

Background

Upper extremity amputations (UEAs) are medically, psychologically, and functionally devastating. This study aimed to evaluate region- and sex-specific differences in unilateral and bilateral upper extremity amputations in the United States (US) from 1990 to 2019.

Methods

The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database was used to analyze years lived with disability (YLDs), prevalence, and incidence rates per 100,000 people for upper extremity amputations in the US from 1990 to 2019. Data were stratified into four US Census Bureau-defined regions: Northeast, Midwest, South, and West. Differences between regions and sexes were assessed, with statistical significance defined as p<0.05.

Results

Between 1990 and 2019, unilateral upper extremity amputations in the US showed a 34.51% decrease in YLDs, 34.34% in prevalence, and 37.38% in incidence. Bilateral amputations decreased by 51.32%, 48.94%, and 56.80%, respectively. Men consistently had higher YLDs, prevalence, and incidence rates for unilateral amputations (p<0.001). Regionally, the Northeast had the highest mean YLDs, prevalence, and incidence, while the South had the lowest. Men also experienced significantly higher rates of both unilateral and bilateral amputations across all regions compared to women (p<0.05).

Conclusions

From 1990 to 2019, the US experienced declines in YLDs, prevalence, and incidence of upper extremity amputations. Men had higher rates than women across all regions. The Northeast exhibited the highest rates, while the South had the lowest. These findings underscore notable gender and regional disparities in upper extremity amputation trends.

DOI

10.7759/cureus.97244

Publication Date

11-19-2025

Keywords

ambulatory surgery, health public, major limb amputation, ortho surgery, surgery general

ISSN

2168-8184

Download

Share

COinS