Amputation‑Related Phantom Limb Pain in Nigeria: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Background: Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a common and distressing complication of limb amputations. Literature on PLP in Nigeria and indeed
Africa is scant despite the high rate of amputations in published works. We sought to highlight the burden of PLP among Nigerian amputees
in order to improve awareness and care by health‑care providers.

Patients and Methods: In this prospective cohort study, consecutive limb amputees were recruited and relevant data were collected by in‑person interview at 1 week postamputation and subsequently by telephone survey at 6 months and 12 months. The sociodemographic and clinical   information of the amputees were recorded, as well as presence of PLP and the treatment offered by the attending physician. The Chi‑square test of statistical significance and multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression were used in the analysis, and the level of statistical significance was determined by P < 0.05.

Results: One hundred and fourteen consecutive limb amputations were carried out in 113 patients over a 1‑year period. The period prevalence of PLP was 63.6%, and of these, only 8.6% had this documented in their medical record. No predictor of PLP was identified in the cohort.

Conclusion:  PLP is highly prevalent among limb amputees in our cohort. We call for improved awareness and practice relating to PLP among  health‑care providers and partners, considering the vast population of amputees in the region.

Keywords: Africa, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status grade, amputees, phantom limb pain