Review of Socioeconomic Disparities in Lower Extremity Amputations: A Continuing Healthcare Problem in the United States

Abstract

Lower extremity amputation is one of the most unfortunate, yet preventable, consequences of uncontrolled lower limb ischemia occurring secondary to diabetes mellitus or peripheral arterial disease. In the United States, racial and socioeconomic disparities are associated with significant differences seen in the incidence and type or level of lower extremity amputation among patients. Due to shifting demographics and the uncertain state of healthcare coverage, lower extremity amputation rates are only projected to increase in the future. Given the potential societal and individual costs associated with the loss of a limb, this review seeks to summarize the recent findings on disparities in the identification, treatments offered, and outcomes of lower limb ischemia in order to elucidate potential interventions at the practitioner and policy levels.