An amputation of an upper extremity may happen for various reasons, such as congenital, medical, or traumatic causes. Congenital amputations are ones that a person is born with, and is more common in the upper extremities. A medical amputation may happen because of complications from medical problem, such as circulation issues, infection, or diabetes. Traumatic amputation may happen because of a severe injury, such as in an automobile accident.

An amputation of a lower extremity may happen for various reasons, such as congenital, medical, or traumatic causes. Congenital amputations are ones that a person is born with, but is not as common in the lower extremities. A medical amputation may happen because of complications from medical problem, such as circulation issues, infection, or diabetes. Traumatic amputation may happen because of a severe injury, such as in an automobile accident.