INTRODUCTION: Phantom limb sensations (PLS), phantom limb pain (PLP) and stump pain (SP) are well-recognised postamputation phenomena. However, there is a dearth of related epidemiological data in Asian populations. This study was conducted to fill the information gap. METHODS: Telephone interviews were conducted with patients who underwent lower limb amputations at a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Information was obtained on phantom limb characteristics, perioperative pain and functional assessment. RESULTS: A total of 159 patients underwent amputations over a 31-month period. At the time of the interview, 47 patients had died and 66 were contactable, of whom 49 patients were interviewed. Of these, 31 (63%) patients experienced PLS. 22 patients had postoperative pain, with 9 having both PLP and SP, 3 having PLP alone and 10 having SP alone. Among the 12 patients with PLP, at least 6 (50%) experienced constant or daily pain and 7 (58%) scored their pain as moderate-to-severe. Among those with PLP and/or SP (n = 22), 5 were distressed by the pain, 11 were on analgesics and 3 received medical follow-up. 7 (32%) patients reported functional limitations secondary to PLP or SP. Altogether, 28 (57%) patients were wheelchair or bed bound. CONCLUSION: The incidence of PLP was 25% in our cohort. Although this is lower than that reported in other studies, it remains significant, as some patients suffered moderate-to-severe pain. The difference in incidence may be due to differences in the ethnic composition and/or indications for amputation in our group. Follow-up and care could improve the outcomes in these patients.
INTRODUCTION: Phantom limb sensations (PLS), phantom limb pain (PLP) and stump pain (SP) are well-recognised postamputation phenomena. However, there is a dearth of related epidemiological data in Asian populations. This study was conducted to fill the information gap. METHODS: Telephone interviews were conducted with patients who underwent lower limb amputations at a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Information was obtained on phantom limb characteristics, perioperative pain and functional assessment. RESULTS: A total of 159 patients underwent amputations over a 31-month period. At the time of the interview, 47 patients had died and 66 were contactable, of whom 49 patients were interviewed. Of these, 31 (63%) patients experienced PLS. 22 patients had postoperative pain, with 9 having both PLP and SP, 3 having PLP alone and 10 having SP alone. Among the 12 patients with PLP, at least 6 (50%) experienced constant or daily pain and 7 (58%) scored their pain as moderate-to-severe. Among those with PLP and/or SP (n = 22), 5 were distressed by the pain, 11 were on analgesics and 3 received medical follow-up. 7 (32%) patients reported functional limitations secondary to PLP or SP. Altogether, 28 (57%) patients were wheelchair or bed bound. CONCLUSION: The incidence of PLP was 25% in our cohort. Although this is lower than that reported in other studies, it remains significant, as some patients suffered moderate-to-severe pain. The difference in incidence may be due to differences in the ethnic composition and/or indications for amputation in our group. Follow-up and care could improve the outcomes in these patients.
Authors: Paul M Schwingler; Rajat N Moman; Christy Hunt; Zachary Ashmore; Sandra P Ogletree; Mason E Uvodich; M Hassan Murad; W Michael Hooten Journal: Pain Rep Date: 2021-05-04
Authors: Yan Yin; Lan Zhang; Hong Xiao; Chuan-Bing Wen; Yue-E Dai; Guang Yang; Yun-Xia Zuo; Jin Liu Journal: BMC Anesthesiol Date: 2017-05-26 Impact factor: 2.217
Authors: Dareen A AlMehman; Abrar S Faden; Badr M Aldahlawi; Mohammed S Bafail; Maram T Alkhatieb; Abdullah M Kaki Journal: Saudi Med J Date: 2022-02 Impact factor: 1.422