Phantom limb pain and residual limb pain following lower limb amputation: a descriptive analysis

This research aimed to develop a clearer picture of the experience of residual limb pain and phantom limb pain following a lower limb amputation and to gain a greater understanding of their relationships with physical and psychosocial variables.

One hundred and four participants completed the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales (TAPES), which includes a section on each of, psychosocial issues, activity restriction, satisfaction with a prosthesis and pain (incidence, duration, level and extent of interference).

The results showed that 48.1% of the sample experienced residual limb pain and 69.2% experienced phantom limb pain. While fewer people experienced residual limb pain, those who did, experienced it for longer periods, at a greater level of intensity and with a greater amount of interference in their daily lifestyle, than people who were experiencing phantom limb pain. The experience of residual limb pain was associated with other medical problems and low levels of Adjustment to Limitation. Phantom limb pain was associated with older age, being female, above knee amputation, causes other than congenital causes, not receiving support prior to the amputation, the experience of other medical problems, low scores on Adjustment to Limitation and high scores on Aesthetic Satisfaction with the prosthesis.

These findings provide a greater understanding of the issues to be taken into consideration in the rehabilitation of people with a lower limb amputation.