Social media analysis of pain outcomes following targeted muscle reinnervation

Abstract

AimTMR was developed to improve myoelectric prosthesis control for amputees; however, it has become an area of interest in pain modulation. Studies show evidence that this procedure alleviates chronic pain in amputees. The primary objective of this study is to utilize social media analysis to understand patients’ post-operative pain, satisfaction, and recovery time after TMR. MethodsData was collected from one Facebook group via posts and comments referencing TMR. Posts published between January 1st, 2020, and March 24th, 2023, were analyzed. Data collected included pain prior to surgery, pain in immediate post-op period, and how pain changed after surgery. Results43 individuals commented on their TMR experience. 31 had favorable surgical outcomes, 7 felt surgery worsened their pain or there was not significant change in their pain levels, and the remaining 5 commented during the initial post-operative period. 24 patients described their pain in the immediate post-operative period and 100% said that post-operative pain was worse than chronic pain. Of 28 authors who commented on overall reduction in chronic pain, 24 reported TMR reduced their pain, while 4 had no change or worsened pain. ConclusionsThe 24 patients who reported improvement in chronic pain aligns with current literature suggesting that TMR is a viable treatment option for pain. Current medical management of similar conditions leaves up to 80% of patients unsatisfied with pain control. This analysis supports the evidence that TMR is an effective treatment for patients who are experiencing post-amputation pain.