Assessment Of Phantom Limb Pain In Diabetic And Non-Diabetic Leg Amputees

Abstract

Background: Phantom limb pain in the amputated limb is often accompanied by significant suffering. The present study was conducted to evaluate phantom limb pain in diabetic and non-diabetic leg amputees.

Materials & Methods: 52 diabetic patients underwent leg amputation of both genders. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group I were diabetic patients that underwent leg amputation and group II had non- diabetic (control) patients that underwent leg amputation. Parameters such as prevalence, intensity and characteristics of phantom limb pain was recorded.

Results: Group I had 32 males and 20 females and group II had 28 males and 24 females. Amputation level was transfemoral in 25 and 17, hip disarticulation in 10 and 11, transtibial seen in 7 and 11, partial foot in 4 and 5 and knee disarticulation in 6 and 8 patients. The mean time since amputation was 1.54 years in group I and 1.61 years in group II. The mean experience of phantom limb pain (PLP) was seen in 45 and 41, experience phantom sensations (PS) was seen in 48 and 49, phantom limb pain intensity on VAS was 3.4 and 3.1. Sharp/stabbing  pain was seen in 25 and 27, dull ache pain in 14 and 10, shooting/electric pain in 11 and 8, burning pain in 1 and 3 and cramping pain in 1 and 2 in group I and II respectively. 

Conclusion: Both groups were comparable in terms of phantom limb pain.