Prevalence and patterns of back pain and residual limb pain in lower limb amputees at the National Rehabilitation Hospital

Abstract

Aims: To examine the prevalence and impact of back pain (BP) and residual limb pain (RLP) in ambulatory lower limb amputees (LLAs).

Methods: Patients completed questionnaires regarding demographics, their amputation, occurrence of BP and RLP. Visual analogue scales assessed pain severity and effect on activities of daily living (ADLs), recreational, family and social life (RFS), and ability to work. Descriptive statistics were compiled and relationships between pain and details of amputation were examined.

Results: A total of 107 patients (88 males, 19 females) participated; mean age 51.1 years. Fifty-one patients (47.7%) suffered BP, mean intensity 5.3, mean interference with ADLs, RFS, ability to work 3.5, 3.8, 3.4, respectively. Sixty (56.1%) suffer from RLP, mean intensity 5.7; mean interference with ADLs, RFS, ability to work 2.9, 2.8, 3.9, respectively. BP intensity increased with age; RLP intensity was greatest among vasculopaths.

Conclusions: Irish LLAs maintain functional capacity despite suffering moderate intensity BP and RLP.