Prevalence and characteristics of phantom limb pain and residual limb pain in the long term following upper limb amputation

Objectives: This study aims to describe the prevalence and characteristics of phantom limb pain and residual limb pain following upper limb amputation. Methods: One-hundred and forty-one participants (139 males; mean age 74.8 years; mean time since amputation 50.1 years) completed a self-report questionnaire assessing residual and phantom limb pain experience. Results: Prevalence of phantom limb pain during the week preceding assessment was 42.6% (60/141). Prevalence of residual limb pain was 43.3% (61/141). More than one third of these had some pain constantly or most days. Phantom limb pain was commonly described as ‘discomforting’ (31/60) and associated with ‘a little bit’ of lifestyle interference (23/60). Residual limb pain was most often described as ‘discomforting’ (27/61) or ‘distressing’ (19/61) and was typically associated with low to moderate levels of lifestyle interference. Conclusion: Assessment of multiple dimensions of postamputation pain in the long term following upper limb amputation is warranted.