Diagnostic ultrasound of the residual limb: A narrative review

Globally, 57.7 million people lived with traumatic limb loss in 2017, with the prevalence of amputation in the United States alone expected to reach 3.6 million by 2050. Pain is a common complication after limb loss, with up to 59% of patients experiencing residual limb pain (RLP). Although RLP is often due to a structural etiology, it is difficult to treat because the exact structure involved is frequently not apparent on history and physical examination alone. This narrative review aims to summarize the available literature on diagnostic ultrasound of the residual limb and examine the utility of ultrasound in identifying specific pathology. A total of 31 peer-reviewed manuscripts published between 1989 and 2021 were included, grouped by pathology. Although ultrasound presents a promising and cost-effective approach to identifying pathology within the residual limb, many gaps remain in the current knowledge, and no specific protocol for a sonographic assessment of the residual limb has ever been proposed. Future studies of diagnostic ultrasound of the residual limb should focus on replicable sonographic techniques and standardized exam protocols.