Pain Issues in the Victims with Lower-limb Amputation: 10 Years after the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake

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.