The profile of people undergoing lower limb amputations at Groote Schuur Hospital.

Background: The annual incidence of lower limb amputations (LLA) at Groote Schuur Hospital is rising gradually. However, little is known about the sociodemographic and clinical profiles of people undergoing these limb amputations.

Objectives: To collect and analyse data to describe the sociodemographic, health and amputation profiles of people who have undergone LLA at Groote Schuur Hospital.

The prevalence and risk factors for phantom limb pain: a cross-sectional survey.

Background: We previously performed a systematic review and meta-analysis which revealed a Phantom Limb Pain (PLP) prevalence estimate of 64% [95% CI: 60.01-68.1].

The Efficacy of Graded Motor Imagery and Its Components on Phantom Limb Pain and Disability: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Graded Motor Imagery (GMI) is a non-invasive and inexpensive therapy used to treat Phantom Limb Pain (PLP) by sequentially activating motor networks in such a way that movement and pain are unpaired. The objective of this systematic review was to critically appraise relevant data on the efficacy of GMI and its components for reducing PLP and disability in amputees.

Methods: We searched 11 electronic databases for controlled trials investigating GMI and its components in amputees with PLP from inception until February 2023.

Making sense of phantom limb pain.

Phantom limb pain (PLP) impacts the majority of individuals who undergo limb amputation. The PLP experience is highly heterogenous in its quality, intensity, frequency and severity. This heterogeneity, combined with the low prevalence of amputation in the general population, has made it difficult to accumulate reliable data on PLP.

Treatment Recommendations for Phantom Limb Pain in People with Amputations: An Expert Consensus Delphi Study.

Background: Phantom limb pain (PLP) is common and often accompanied by serious suffering. Current systematic-review evidence suggests that recommended treatments are no more effective than placebo for reducing PLP. Given the difficulty in conducting a meta-analysis for nonpharmacological treatments and the weak evidence for pharmacological treatments for PLP, consensus on the first-line management of PLP needs to be reached using alternative methods.

The prevalence and risk factors for phantom limb pain in people with amputations: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Phantom limb pain (PLP)-pain felt in the amputated limb-is often accompanied by significant suffering. Estimates of the burden of PLP have provided conflicting data. To obtain a robust estimate of the burden of PLP, we gathered and critically appraised the literature on the prevalence and risk factors associated with PLP in people with limb amputations.

The effectiveness of graded motor imagery for reducing phantom limb pain in amputees: a randomised controlled trial.

Objective: To investigate whether graded motor imagery (GMI) is effective for reducing phantom limb pain (PLP) in people who have undergone limb amputations.

Design: A single-blinded randomised, controlled trial.

Setting: Physiotherapy out-patient departments in three secondary level hospitals in Cape Town, South Africa.

The prevalence of phantom limb pain and associated risk factors in people with amputations: a systematic review protocol.

Background: The prevalence of phantom limb pain (PLP) in people with amputations is unclear because of the conflicting reports across the literature. It is proposed that the conflicting reports on the prevalence of PLP are a consequence of variations in the time period during which the studies were undertaken, countries in which the studies were conducted and recruitment processes implemented during collection of epidemiological data. In consideration of these factors, we aim to gather and critically appraise relevant literature to determine the prevalence estimate of and risk factors for PLP in people with amputations.

The effects of graded motor imagery and its components on phantom limb pain and disability in upper and lower limb amputees: a systematic review protocol.

Background: Phantom limb pain (PLP) is characterized by the anatomical shifting of neighbouring somatosensory and motor areas into a deafferented cortical area of the brain contralateral to the amputated limb. It has been shown that maladaptive neuroplasticity is positively correlated to the perception of PLP in amputees. Recent studies support the use of graded motor imagery (GMI) and its component to alleviate the severity of PLP and disability.