The impact of phantom limb pain on body image in amputees: a comparative study

Abstract

Basis: Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a common and clinically challenging phenomenon following limb amputation. It manifests as pain perceived in a limb segment that no longer exists and is often chronic, intense, and resistant to conventional treatment. Recent research has increasingly focused on psychological factors that may influence both the onset and persistence of PLP. One such factor is body image – the subjective perception of one’s own body – which can be disrupted following amputation. A negative body image may contribute to prolonged pain and difficulties in prosthesis adaptation.

Group: The study included 37 participants after limb amputation (25 men, 12 women; mean age 49 years). Most respondents had a lower limb amputation (86%) and used their own prosthesis. Phantom limb pain was reported by 62% of the participants.

Methods: Data were collected using the Amputee Body Image Scale (ABIS), supplemented with demographic information, amputation level, time since surgery, prosthesis satisfaction, and the presence of PLP. Statistical analysis involved t-tests for independent samples and chi-square tests (p < 0.05).

Results: Participants with PLP had significantly higher ABIS scores (57.2 ± 9.8) compared to those without pain (47.5 ± 10.3; p = 0.024). All five respondents dissatisfied with their prosthesis also experienced PLP, though this relationship did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.061).

Conclusions: Phantom limb pain is associated with the more negative perception of the body. The findings highlight the importance of body image in the pain experience following amputation and suggest that targeted therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring bodily integrity may offer therapeutic benefits. Further research with larger and more diverse samples is recommended.