Phantom Limb Pain persists for years--and most amputees experience it

To discuss the prevalence of phantom limb pain, we must distinguish it from other types of postamputation pain. Postamputation pain is generally divided into three categories: phantom limb pain (PLP), residual limb pain (RLP), and phantom sensations (PS). PLP, "a painful or unpleasant sensation in the distribution of the lost or deafferentated body part" (Hsu et. al, 2013, 122) is the focus of this blog, and therefore the focus of the discussion of epidemiology. RLP, also known as stump pain, is the pain felt in the remaining body part after amputation. PS are non-painful kinetic sensations (movement), kinesthetic sensations (size, shape, or position), and exteroceptive sensations (touch, pressure, tingling, temperature, itch, and vibration) in the lost limb. Patients frequently have trouble distinguishing PLP and PS in the missing limb so their epidemiological and pathophysiological considerations overlap and intertwine.

Historically, PLP was dismissed by the medical establishment, and "patients were ostracized, and their symptoms attributed to either psychopathology or secondary gain". (Hsu et al, 2013, 122) Importantly, data regarding prevalence of PLP may be skewed from the impact of underreporting of PLP; patients conceal their pain from health care providers because they fear judgment or doubt.

One study showed PLP occurring in 85% of amputees. In 2005 there were 1.6 million people living with amputations in the United States. This figure is projected to rise to 3.6 million people by 2050.  By these estimates, over 3 million people will be experiencing PLP by 2050, which could be as great as 1% of the population. That's a big deal. According to the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project from 1988 to 1996, vascular disease is the biggest cause of limb loss, followed by trauma, cancer, and congenital abnormalities.

Nowadays health care providers want to help patients with PLP.

From: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PInd4KJHKf4

With limb amputation, all sorts of complications may arise, such as infection and hemorrhage. PLP itself ranges from minor pain to debilitating pain. Quality of life can plummet, with people unable to keep jobs, relationships, and more. Sadly, this has the potential to lead to depression and even suicide. There are a plethora of overlapping comorbidities that may influence how PLP affects someone's life, so it's difficult to determine the actual influence of PLP. This may partially explain why studies have not determined the extent of PLP's impact on quality of life, morbidity, and mortality.

PUBMed Search terms: phantom limb pain epidemiology, phantom limb pain prevalence 

Sources: 

Hsu, E., & Cohen, S. P. (2013, February 13). Postamputation pain: epidemiology, mechanisms, and treatment. Journal of Pain Research, 6, 121-136.

Desmond, D. M., & MacLachlan, M. (2010, September). Prevalence and characteristics of phantom limb pain and residual limb pain in the long term after upper limb amputation. International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, 33(3), 279-282.