Chronic conditions such as diabetes and peripheral vascular disease were the leading cause of amputation for more than 60% of patients treated at Indiana University Center for Limb Loss (CLL), a Level 1 Trauma Center, according to a new retrospective study.
In looking at the electronic medical records of 218 amputee patients who had been treated at the facility from 2016-2023, researchers found that 61% of amputations were related to chronic conditions compared to 39% related to acute trauma. In terms of sex, both subsets were comprised of approximately ⅔ male patients. Among patients undergoing amputation for a chronic condition, ¾ resided in the Indianapolis metro area compared to ¼ residing in outlying rural areas.
In their discussion, the researchers noted that further in-depth analysis of patient demographic data and collection of additional outcome data will help uncover complex contributors to healthcare disparities that impact functional outcomes within the amputee population. Examining differences in functional outcomes related to sex, age, race, and other patient characteristics may reveal potential inequities related to barriers specific to certain subpopulations and thus provide opportunities to be addressed.
Source: Pratt W, Johnson R, Salin J, Shi E, Altenburger P. Who Are We Helping? Demographic Characteristics of Amputee Population at a Level 1 Trauma, Academic Health Care Center. Poster presented at AOPA 2023 National Assembly; Indianapolis, IN; Sept. 6-9, 2023. Used with permission.
