Clinical features of phantom limb pain in patients with lower limb amputation in a Spanish population

The aim of this research is to present the clinical characteristics of phantom limb pain (PLP) in patients with amputation.

A retrospective cross-sectional observational study of patients with lower limb amputation is presented. Patients between 18 and 80 years of age with unilateral or bilateral amputation between the years 2015 and 2019 were included. Demographic data, medical history, data related to the amputation, and related abnormal sensations were collected.

43 patients (34 men) and 53 amputees were studied, with a mean age of 62 years, with a time elapsed since amputation of 28 months. The most frequent cause of amputation was ischemic (70%). Twenty-three (60%) patients had PLP that began 1 month after amputation with a mean intensity of 3.9 on the VAS scale, in 15 patients the PLP was daily, three patients recognised the disappearance of PLP. 91% of the patients presented non-painful sensations in relation to the phantom limb. No differences were found in the development of the PLP between the 1st and 2nd amputation. A significant association was found between the development of PLP and residual limb pain.

PLP is a prevalent pathology among amputee patients, therefore multidisciplinary care with an active neurologic participation is essential. Studies are needed to deepen the knowledge of the factors that favour the development of PLP in order to focus early and targeted therapies to prevent the appearance of PLP.