A 14-year study of major amputations in Pennsylvania reveals troubling disparities in limb loss, especially among Black men in distressed urban communities. Despite advances in vascular surgery and diabetes care, the number of amputations rose modestly—from 2.1 to 2.5 per 10,000 residents over age 25—between 2010 and 2023.
The data show that Black patients accounted for 26% of major amputations, though they make up only 12% of the state’s population. Seven of the ten zip codes with the highest amputation rates had populations over 70% Black. In Philadelphia’s 19140 zip code, the average age at amputation was just 60.7 years.
“Men of color suffer a dramatically disproportionate number of limb amputations in distressed metropolitan zip codes,” the authors write. These amputations are occurring at younger ages over time, with the average age of male patients dropping from 67.5 in 2010 to 64.5 in 2023.
Diabetes played a central role, with 84% of amputations occurring in patients with the disease. Insulin use among amputees quadrupled over the study period. Access to care, insurance status, and geographic location were key factors. Rural areas had the highest rate of stump complications, while metropolitan zip codes saw the most amputations overall.
The study calls for standardized reporting and targeted interventions to address the persistent racial and geographic disparities in limb loss.
See: “Long-term Trends in Major Amputations for the state of Pennsylvania” (September 28, 2025)
