More than half of persons with lower limb amputation suffer from chronic back pain or residual limb pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to systematically review and critically assess the methodological quality of literature regarding prevalence, characteristics and factors influencing pain, other than phantom limb pain (PLP) in persons with lower limb amputation (LLA). Materials and methods: A systematic review was performed (PROSPERO CRD42019138018). Literature was searched using PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and PEDro. Studies were included if describing pain other than PLP at least three months after amputation. For residual limb pain (RLP) and back pain, a meta-regression was performed. Results: Fifty-one studies were included in which predominantly young males with a unilateral traumatic amputation using a prosthesis were investigated. Pooled prevalence of RLP was 0.51 (95% CI 0.40–0.62) with a positive association with presence of back pain (p = 0.044) in the univariate meta-regression. Pooled prevalence of back pain was 0.55 (95% CI 0.45–0.64), with a positive association of time since amputation (p < 0.001) and co-occurrence of RLP (p = 0.050). Conclusions: Back pain and RLP are common after LLA. The prevalence of back pain was positively associated with the presence of RLP, and vice versa. Future studies should give more attention to other chronic pain types, to persons with a diabetic or vascular cause of amputation, and to pain-related interference.Implications for Rehabilitation Both back pain and residual limb pain occur in more than 50% of persons with lower limb amputation (LLA), and both pain types are positively associated. Clinicians should be aware that chronic pain is common after LLA and can have a significant impact on the functioning of persons with LLA. Future research on this topic should give more attention to other chronic pain types, to persons with a diabetic or vascular cause of amputation, and to pain-related interference.