Trinity Amputation Research Articles

Phantom limb pain and residual limb pain following lower limb amputation: a descriptive analysis

Purpose: This research aimed to develop a clearer picture of the experience of residual limb pain and phantom limb pain following a lower limb amputation and to gain a greater understanding of their relationships with physical and psychosocial variables. Method: One hundred and four participants completed the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales (TAPES), which includes a section on each of, psychosocial issues, activity restriction, satisfaction with a prosthesis and pain (incidence, duration, level and extent of interference). Results: The results showed that 48.1% of the sample experienced residual limb pain and 69.2% experienced phantom limb pain. While fewer people experienced residual limb pain, those who did, experienced it for longer periods, at a greater level of intensity and with a greater amount of interference in their daily lifestyle, than people who were experiencing phantom limb pain. The experience of residual limb pain was associated with other medical problems and low levels of Adjustment to Limitation. Phantom limb pain was associated with older age, being female, above knee amputation, causes other than congenital causes, not receiving support prior to the amputation, the experience of other medical problems, low scores on Adjustment to Limitation and high scores on Aesthetic Satisfaction with the prosthesis. Conclusion: These findings provide a greater understanding of the issues to be taken into consideration in the rehabilitation of people with a lower limb amputation.

Positive meaning in amputation and thoughts about the amputated limb.

The majority of research conducted on the aftermath of amputation understandably concerns itself with its most distressing aspects. This research aimed to explore whether and how people think about their amputated limb, and whether and if they considered anything good had emerged from their amputation. One hundred and four (104) people completed the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales (TAPES) and two open-ended questions. The majority of participants were young and had traumatic amputations. Fifty-six percent (56%) of people thought about their amputated limb. People with bilateral or a trans-femoral amputation were more likely to think about their amputated limb than people with a trans-tibial amputation. Forty-eight percent (48%) considered that something good had happened as a result of the amputation. Furthermore, finding positive meaning was significantly associated with more favourable physical capabilities and health ratings, lower levels of Athletic Activity Restriction and higher levels of Adjustment to Limitation. Future research and clinical implications are discussed.

Development and psychometric evaluation of the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales (TAPES).

Development and psychometric evaluation of the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales (TAPES).

Development and psychometric evaluation of the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales (TAPES).

Development and psychometric evaluation of the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales (TAPES).