A systematic literature review to explore lived experiences with phantom limb phenomenon following a lower extremity amputation: a qualitative synthesis.
Abdullah Ali H Alabdullah, Saeed Saad Alyazidi, Ibrahim Ali Asiri and 7 others
PMID 41050313WHAT IT FOUND
Patients with lower limb amputation often receive little or no early education about phantom limb pain, leading to distress and dissatisfaction.
They prefer self-management strategies like massage and distraction over medication, and report that phantom sensations can actually help them accept their prosthetic limb.
Key findings
01The majority of participants expressed dissatisfaction with the information provided about phantom limb pain, citing late delivery and a lack of guidance from healthcare professionals.
02Participants frequently used non-medical self-management strategies, such as residual limb massage and distraction, which they found more effective for short-term relief than prescribed medication.
03Phantom limb sensations, distinct from pain, were reported by some patients as helpful for prosthetic embodiment, making the artificial limb feel more like a natural extension of the body.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The review included only English-language studies, which may limit the generalizability of findings to non-English speaking populations. The synthesis relied on how data were presented in the original studies, which can restrict the depth of the analysis. The included studies had small sample sizes and varied in their focus (some on pain, some on sensation, some on sports or back pain), making direct comparison difficult. The review did not assess the effectiveness of any specific intervention, only the patient experience of them.
Declared interests
The authors declare that no financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the patients' preference for self-management strategies as evidence that medication is ineffective or should be avoided. The study reports subjective experiences and satisfaction levels, not clinical outcomes or pain reduction metrics. A patient's dissatisfaction with information does not mean the clinical care was poor, but it highlights a communication gap.
Summarised by AI from the full paper, without a clinician reviewing it. Check it against the source before it changes what you do. Read it on PubMed →