Upper limb amputations in Germany: a nationwide retrospective study of incidence, aetiologies and revision patterns from 2019 to 2023

This nationwide analysis provides a comprehensive epidemiological overview of ULAs in Germany, demonstrating stable overall incidence but clear level-specific differences in underlying aetiologies. Proximal amputations were mainly associated with malignant and vascular disease, whereas trauma predominated at distal levels. High rates of infection-related and neuroma-related revisions, particularly after proximal amputations, highlight the complexity of surgical management and the need for level-specific perioperative and follow-up strategies.