Ann Rehabil Med.  2022 Oct;46(5):221-227. 10.5535/arm.22121.

Fact Sheet of Amputee 10-Year Trends in Korea: From 2011 to 2020

• Bok SK
• Song Y

• KMID: 2535739
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5535/arm.22121

Abstract

This fact sheet was used to analyze the trends in the number of amputees within the population and changes in their health-related behaviors since 2011. Data from the National Survey of Disabled Persons in Korea from 2011 to 2020 were used in this study. The cases of amputation among people with disabilities have increased. Although there were more upper extremity amputations than lower extremity amputations, as amputations below the wrist account for a greater proportion in South Korea than in other countries, the number of upper extremity amputations decreased and lower extremity amputations increased. The most common cause of amputation is accidents, followed by diseases and congenital anomalies. The majority of the amputees were male; however, the number of females showed a gradual increase, and the average age also increased. The proportion of amputated patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, is increasing, and medical services are relatively limited. In this review study, through the 10-year trend change in the prevalence of amputee, it was possible to infer the impact of personal, social, and environmental changes. Based on these amputee statistics, it is expected that they can be used to plan health and medical policies for the disabled.

Keyword

Amputees; Prevalence; Amputation; Statistics

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Changes in estimated prevalence proportion of amputee among disabled from 2011 to 2020.

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  Fig. 2 Changes in estimated prevalence proportion of upper and lower amputee from 2011 to 2020.

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  Fig. 3 Changes in estimated prevalence proportion of the causes of amputee due to (A) congenital anomalies, (B) disease, and (C) accident from 2011 to 2020.

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  Fig. 4 Changes in health-related factors in amputee from 2011 to 2020.

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