Pain and psychosocial adjustment to lower limb amputation amongst prosthesis users

The aim of this study was to investigate associations between post-amputation phantom and residual limb pain and prosthesis satisfaction, activity restriction and psychosocial adjustment to amputation among lower limb prosthesis users. Eighty-nine people with a lower limb amputation completed a postal survey. Characteristics of phantom and residual limb pain, prosthesis satisfaction, activity restriction and psychosocial adjustment to amputation were assessed using the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales (TAPES). Comparisons of those who experienced residual and/or phantom limb pain in the preceding assessment with those who did not revealed significant differences in prosthesis satisfaction, psychosocial adjustment but not in activity restriction. Overall, it is important for clinicians to ascertain the type and level of pain that the person is experiencing and to separate the experiences of the pain from the experiences of the prosthetic limb.