How many amputees are there in the world?

The number of amputees worldwide is challenging to determine precisely due to variations in definitions, data collection methods, and reporting systems. However, I can provide some estimations based on available information.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1 in every 1,000 individuals globally live with major limb loss, defined as the absence of a hand, foot, or major part of a limb. Based on this estimate and the current global population of around 8 billion, the number of amputees worldwide could be approximately 8 million.

The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) estimates that there are around 30 million people living with limb amputations globally. This estimation includes individuals with congenital limb deficiencies and acquired amputations due to trauma, disease, or other causes.

It is important to note that these estimations vary due to differences in data collection methods and definitions of limb loss. Additionally, these estimates do not account for partial limb loss, which further increases the number of individuals affected.

Furthermore, the distribution of amputees varies across regions, with higher prevalence in low- and middle-income countries. Factors such as trauma from conflicts, accidents, and inadequate access to healthcare contribute to these variations.

Overall, the number of amputees in the world is substantial and represents a significant population with unique challenges and needs in terms of rehabilitation, mobility assistance, and social integration.