Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42563625›Full record

ArticleJournal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle2026

Global Epidemiology of Amputation-Related Disability From 1990 to 2021: Geographic Variation and Projections to 2050.

Xuhui Cuan, Jianguang Zhang, Zhuowen Lu, Fengyang Cui, Chenxi Zhao, Wenzhao Lu, Mengliang Luo, Song Xue, Chao Xie, Lei Jin and 7 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

17 authors.

Xuhui CuanDepartment of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China.
Jianguang ZhangDepartment of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.
Zhuowen LuQueen Mary College, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
Fengyang CuiQueen Mary College, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0741-1259
Chenxi ZhaoQueen Mary College, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
Wenzhao LuQueen Mary College, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
Mengliang LuoDepartment of Joint and Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
Song XueDepartment of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
Chao XieDepartment of Joint and Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6479-9825
Lei JinThe National Key Clinical Specialty, Engineering Research Center of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology and Devices for Cerebrovascular Diseases, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
Meiling ShiDepartment of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
Jian ZhangDepartment of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6967-6725
Meisong ZhuDepartment of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China.
Rongdong LiaoDepartment of Joint and Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9846-6519
Xuanxuan HuangInstitute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China.
Sikuan ZhengDepartment of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China.
Jianye TanDepartment of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3864-0017

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China 82460548Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province 20242BAB20368
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundAmputation is a critical event leading to the permanent loss of limb function and long-term functional impairment, posing a substantial burden on global healthcare systems. However, the global burden, demographic patterns and future trajectory of amputation-related disability have not been comprehensively quantified.

methodsWe analysed Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 data to assess the prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs) for seven amputation subtypes (fingers, thumbs, toes, unilateral and bilateral upper and lower limbs) from 1990 to 2021. Projections to 2050 were made using the Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) modelling.

resultsIn 2021, the global total number of amputation cases reached approximately 445 million (95% uncertainty intervals [UI]: 409-486 million), with an age-standardized rate (ASR) of 5330 (95% UI: 4890-5820) cases per 100 000 population. From 1990 to 2021, the overall global burden of amputation demonstrated a declining trend in ASR, although the absolute number of cases increased substantially. Among all amputation subtypes, finger amputation (AMP-F) had the highest prevalence, accounting for 50.3% of all cases, followed by thumb amputation (AMP-Th) at 22.4% and toe amputation (AMP-Toe) at 19.0%; these three subtypes alone accounted for over 91% of all cases. Regarding YLDs, unilateral lower limb amputation (AMP-LL1) contributed most significantly (20.8%), followed by bilateral upper limb amputation (AMP-UL2) at 18.9%, despite their relatively lower prevalence. In terms of the YLD burden, the age distribution exhibited a spindle-shaped pattern, peaking in the 30-59 age group overall, with notable subtype-specific variations (e.g., AMP-LL1 peaking at ≥ 95 years and bilateral lower limb amputation [AMP-LL2] prominent in middle-aged groups, particularly 50-64 years in certain regions). Additionally, the etiological profile shifted markedly, with conflict and terrorism rising sharply from the 8th to the 4th leading driver of amputation burden globally, exerting a particularly strong impact in North Africa and the Middle East. Projections indicate substantial future increases in both prevalence and YLDs associated with AMP-LL1, necessitating heightened vigilance.

conclusionAlthough the age-standardized prevalence of amputation slightly declined globally from 1990 to 2021, the absolute number of cases increased significantly, exhibiting pronounced demographic and geographic disparities. To mitigate this escalating burden, tailored strategies integrating prevention and long-term rehabilitation planning are urgently needed.

Indexed as

Amputation, SurgicalPersons with DisabilitiesFemaleGlobal Burden of DiseaseGlobal HealthHumansMalePrevalenceageingamputationdisabilityGlobal Burden of Diseasephysical function

Identifiers

PMID42563625
PMCPMC13448777

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.