The Incidence Rate of Lower Extremity Amputation in Amman, Jordan

Background: The incidence of Lower Extremity Amputation (LEA) is increasing worldwide. In the developing countries incidence data is lacking. The present study was conducted to determine the incidence rate of LEAs in Amman, Jordan. Methods: The methodology used to conduct this study was based on the Global Lower Extremity Amputation (GLEA) study protocol for data collection and analysis. Data was collected on all amputations for adult Jordanians of 20 years and older at seventeen health centers in Amman city. Patients were identified from two data sources within each center and “Capture-recapture” technique was used to adjust for undercount. Results: The total number of cases included in the analysis was 371 with a mean age of 59.6 years, SD= 13.8. The overall incidence rate was 23.6/100.000/year (95% CI 21.2, 26.1). Males had a higher incidence rate than females (32.5 with 95% CI (28.5, 36.3) vs. 13.6 with 95% CI (11, 16.5)). The ratio of males to females was 2.7:1. The incidence rate of major amputations was higher than minor amputations. Analysis of age-specific rates showed that the highest incidence rate was among those from the 60-79 years of age. The ascertainment level varied between 73.1%-83.3%. Comparing the present study with the GLEA study, age adjusted rates for males and females were the second highest after the U.S for both types of LEAs. Conclusion: Lower extremity amputations represent a significant health concern in Jordan.