Article

PURPOSE: To determine the pain characteristics and health-related quality of life
(HR-QOL) of upper and lower limb amputees. METHOD: Amputees attending the Prince
of Wales Prosthetic Clinics in 2006 were administered a questionnaire survey of
their pain experiences, Short form McGill pain questionnaire, Short Form 36 (SF
36) and Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ). RESULTS: Of the 17 who were
upper limb amputees (including the two multiple limb amputees), only 1 was pain
free and of the 39 who were lower limb amputees 14 were pain free. Upper limb
amputees experienced significantly greater proportion, frequency and severity of
post-amputation pain than lower limb amputees. The presence of significant
pre-operative pain did not correlate with the development of persistent
post-amputation pain. In quality of life measures, the amputees experienced a
better physical function, role physical and confidence in performance of
activities than chronic pain patients attending the pain clinic. Lower limb
amputees fared better than upper limb amputees in terms of bodily pain, social
function and mental health. However, the amputee groups have a reduced health
status in almost all domains compared to the aged matched Australian population
norm. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that upper limb amputees are significantly
more likely to suffer post-amputation pain which is more frequent, longer lasting
and more severe in intensity when compared to lower limb amputees. This is
accompanied by reduced HR-QOL especially that related to bodily pain, social
function and mental health. The overall health status of amputees are also
significantly lower compared to the Australian population norm.

Langue : ANGLAIS