April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month (LLAM), which serves as a time to raise awareness to the realities of those living with limb loss and limb difference, including the unique challenges they face as well as the incredible accomplishments they achieve. It’s also a time to celebrate all the groundbreaking technological advancements in the field of orthotics and prosthetics that allow these individuals to achieve higher levels of function, mobility, and independence. However, although there is a vast array of products, providers often face reimbursement challenges from insurance companies.
Currently, 2.1 million people in the U.S. are living with limb loss, 185 thousand people have an amputation each year in this country, and 507 Americans lose a limb daily, according to the Amputee Coalition website. Moreover, the Amputee Coalition predicts that by the year 2050, 3.6 million people will be living with a form of limb loss.
Additionally:
- 1,588 military personnel lost a limb while serving in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
- 36% of people living with limb loss experience some level of depression.
- 85% of lower-limb amputations are the direct result of foot ulcers.
- Lifetime healthcare costs for people with limb loss ($509,275) is substantially higher than for people without limb loss ($361,200).
- African Americans are 4 times more likely to have an amputation than white Americans.
- The total cost of hospital charges for patients who underwent an amputation was $10 billion in 2014.
- Vascular disease is the leading cause of amputation (54%), closely followed by trauma (45%), and cancer (2%).
- Lower limb amputations (65%) are far more common than upper limb amputations (35%).
Source: (2020). Limb Loss in the U.S.A. Retrieved 2021, Mar 24, from LLAM-Infographic-2020.pdf
Given these impressive statistics, it’s easy to understand the significance of recognizing, supporting, and educating those living with limb loss and limb difference as well as informing loved ones, the country, and beyond.
Amputee Coalition, the leading, national nonprofit organization working to support people with limb loss and limb difference and sponsor of LLAM, shares this mentality. In fact, they have made it their mission to reach out to and empower people affected by limb loss and limb difference, so they may achieve their full potential through education, support and advocacy, and to promote limb loss prevention, according to amputee-coalition.org.
So, we (name of facility) feel compelled to do our part this LLAM and recognize and celebrate all our patients living with limb loss or limb difference. May their stories of strength, courage, and determination inspire all those who hear them. With that said, we encourage you to share your experience with limb loss or limb difference this April. Tell us the difficulties you faced and how you overcame them. Whether the story is about you personally or someone close to you, post the story as well as related photos and video to our social media pages and remember to include the hashtags #LLAM and #LimbLossAwareness.