title: Incidence of phantom limb phenomena after lower limb amputations in a Singapore tertiary hospital.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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: Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
authors: Eliza I-Lin
authors: EI
authors: Sin
authors: Sze Ying
authors: SY
authors: Thong
authors: Keah-How
authors: KH
authors: Poon
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain; D010591:Phantom Limb / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012846:Singapore; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult