Study of Neuropathic Pain and Quality of Life in Children and Teens After Limb Amputation

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to understand neuropathic pain in children and adolescents who had limb amputations during childhood. It focuses on two types of neuropathic pain phantom limb pain and residual limb pain. The study also looks at quality of life and functional independence in these young patients, exploring links between pain, autonomy, quality of life, and age when the amputation occurred. This observational study uses both past medical records and questionnaires to gather information without changing patient care. Participants are children and teens aged 5 to 18 years who had limb amputations before age 15 for girls and 16 for boys. The study collects data from medical records and standardized questionnaires during routine follow-up visits at a specialized pediatric limb anomaly center. There is no treatment or intervention data collection happens at a single time point to assess neuropathic pain and its effects. During the study, participants provide information through questionnaires about neuropathic pain, quality of life, and functional abilities. Researchers also review medical records for relevant history. The main measure is the presence of neuropathic pain after amputation. Other outcomes include types of pain, health-related quality of life, locomotor and upper limb function, and correlations between pain scores and age at amputation. Participation involves only one visit during routine care, with no extra procedures or treatments.

Amputations in Childhood and Neuropathic Pain