Development of a data-driven treatment protocol for musculoskeletal pain and overuse symptoms in upper limb amputees – a planning phase for a national collaboration

The project purpose is to form a national collaboration to treat musculoskeletal pain and overuse symptoms in upper limb (UL) amputees.

The project aims to (i) map and perform a comprehensive characterization of musculoskeletal pain and overuse symptoms, (ii) develop a treatment protocol.Studies from other countries show that a significant portion of amputees suffer from musculoskeletal pain and overuse symptoms.

However, there is no Swedish reliable data that reports the number of amputees suffering from musculoskeletal pain and overuse injury.

Furthermore, there is limited knowledge regarding the cause of musculoskeletal pain, although compensatory movements and inadequate use of the prosthesis are common clinical observations.

By characterizing compensatory movements and prosthesis use and use the data to develop a treatment protocol, we may reduce musculoskeletal pain and overuse injury.This 2-year project includes all the four UL prosthetic clinics in Sweden.

In the 1st year, we will ask all amputees to answer a digital survey about pain (musculoskeletal and phantom limb), UL symptoms, occupational performance, and patient characteristic data.

In the 2nd year, 4-6 persons will be recruited to measure compensatory movements and muscle activity during clinical tests with prosthesis. Movement and muscle activity data will be recorded using 3D-motor capture and electromyography. The data will be used to develop a treatment protocol, that may be used in national guidelines.