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Research Papers

Pain issues in the victims with lower-limb amputation: 10 years after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake

, , , , , & show all
Pages 1346-1353 | Received 01 Mar 2020, Accepted 28 Jul 2020, Published online: 13 Aug 2020
 

Abstract

Purpose

To study the prevalence, intensity, and bothersomeness of amputation-related pain and further to identify the potential risk factors in the victims with lower-limb amputation 10 years after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake.

Methods

In the cross-sectional study, 66 victims with lower-limb amputation were recruited. The Prostheses Evaluation Questionnaire was used to document the prevalence, intensity, and bothersomeness of amputation-related pain. The bivariate relationships between amputation-related pain and each of demographic characteristics were analyzed.

Results

Majority of the enrolled lower-limb amputees (90.9%) reported to have one or more types of amputation-related pain. The intensity and bothersomeness of amputation-related pain were considered as severe in nearly 40% of these post-earthquake victims. The potential demographic risk factors associated with the prevalence, intensity, and bothersomeness of amputation-related pain were identified, including the age, lower level of education, marital status, employment, and comorbidity.

Conclusions

The pain coming from phantom limb, residual limb, non-amputated limb, and back was found persistent in the lower-limb amputees 10 years after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. The findings of this study could provide useful reference for optimization of post-disaster rehabilitation strategies to alleviate chronic pain in the victims following lower-limb amputation.

    Implications for Rehabilitation

  • The pain coming from phantom limb, residual limb, non-amputated limb, and back was found persistent in the victims with lower-limb amputation 10 years after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake.

  • Continuous post-earthquake assessment and management of amputation-related pain should be taken into consideration for the victims with lower-limb amputation.

  • The comorbidity should be effectively and efficiently controlled for the victims with lower-limb amputation due to its association with the intensity and bothersomeness of amputation-related pain.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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