Do chronic pain syndromes in lower limb amputees have an effect on the use of prostheses?

Background: The use of a prosthesis is critical to regain the ability to walk in lower limb amputees but the relationship between the use of a prosthesis and chronic pain syndromes (PLS, PLP, RLP), common in amputees patients, is still poorly understood.

Objective: This long-term follow-up study investigates the possible correlation between prosthesis use and the presence of PLP, PLS and RLP in lower limb amputees.

Methods: Patients undergoing transtibial, transfemoral or hemipelvectomy amputation of any aetiology at the Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute from 2008 to 2018 were included.

Chronic pain in lower limb amputees: Is there a correlation with the use of perioperative epidural or perineural analgesia?

Background: Chronic pain is common in patients who undergo lower limb amputation. The use of epidural or perineural catheters seems to reduce acute pain after surgery but their effects in a longer follow up are unknown.

Objective: To evaluate the long-term prevalence of phantom limb sensation (PLS), phantom limb pain (PLP), and residual limb pain (RLP) and their correlation with perioperative use of epidural or perineural catheters.

Comparison of a fast track protocol and standard care after hip arthroplasty in the reduction of the length of stay and the early weight-bearing resumption: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: To date, hip arthroplasty is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures, with growing worldwide demand. In recent decades, major progress made in terms of surgical technique, biomechanics, and tribology knowledge has contributed to improve the medical and functional management of the patient. This study aims to assess if the application of a fast track protocol, consisting of a preoperative educational intervention, adequate postoperative pain control, and intensive rehabilitation intervention, reduces the length of stay (LOS) and allows the early functional recovery compared to standard clinical practice for patients undergoing hip arthroplasty.

Central sensitization in chronic low back pain: A narrative review.

Low back pain is one of the four most common disorders in all regions, and the greatest contributor to disability worldwide, adding 10.7% of total years lost due to this health state. The etiology of chronic low back pain is, in most of the cases (up to 85%), unknown or nonspecific, while the specific causes (specific spinal pathology and neuropathic/radicular disorders) are uncommon.