Back pain as a secondary disability in persons with lower limb amputations

To evaluate the frequency, duration, intensity, and interference of back pain in a sample of persons with lower limb amputations.

Retrospective, cross-sectional survey.

Community-based survey from clinical databases.

Participants who were 6 or more months post lower limb amputation (n = 255).

An amputation pain survey that included several standardized pain measures.

Frequency, duration, intensity, and interference of back pain.

Of the participants who completed the survey (return rate, 56%), 52% reported experiencing persistent, bothersome back pain. Of these, 43% reported average back pain intensity in the mild range (1-4 on 0-10 rating scale) and 25% reported pain of moderate intensity (5-6 on 0-10 scale). Most respondents with back pain rated the interference of their pain on function as none to minimal. However, nearly 25% of those with back pain described it as frequent, of severe intensity (>or=7 on 0-10 scale), and as severely interfering with daily activities including social, recreational, family, and work activities.

Back pain may be surprisingly common in persons with lower limb amputations, and, for some who experience it, may greatly interfere with function.