The Danish Amputation Register 1972-1984.

The DAR was established in 1972 for the purpose of collecting data on major upper and lower extremity amputations as well as details on corresponding prosthetic fitting in Denmark. During phase 1 (1972-1980) voluntary reports were submitted by surgical departments and prosthetic manufacturers, totalling about 5000. During phase 2 (1978-1984) data on all amputations in Denmark were supplied on a yearly basis by the National Patient Register, a division of the National Health Board. The information collected during phase 1 is rather detailed, but does not represent the entire national output. The phase 2 data are less detailed, but yield full national coverage. The information is compatible as to distribution of age, sex and etiology. The methods and present status of data processing are described and the planning for the foreseeable future is outlined.