Patients with combat-related lower limb amputations frequently experience chronic low back pain during long-term rehabilitation and prosthetic use. Altered biomechanics, asymmetric loading, gait disturbances, and changes in spinal alignment after limb loss may contribute to the development of persistent back pain. The severity and characteristics of low back pain may vary according to the level of amputation.
The LEVEL-BACK Study is a prospective observational study designed to evaluate the relationship between amputation level and chronic low back pain after combat-related amputation.
Participants with different levels of lower limb amputation will undergo clinical assessment of low back pain intensity, functional limitations, prosthesis use, and rehabilitation outcomes during follow-up.
The goal of the study is to improve understanding of how amputation level influences chronic low back pain after combat-related limb loss and to identify patients at increased risk for persistent spinal pain during rehabilitation.
Age ≥18 years
Combat-related lower limb amputation
Transtibial, transfemoral, or bilateral lower limb amputation
Time since amputation ≥3 months
Traumatic spinal injury related to the initial combat trauma
Previous spinal surgery before amputation
Known severe spinal deformity
Active spinal infection or malignancy
Participants will include adult patients with combat-related lower limb amputations undergoing rehabilitation and prosthetic recovery. The study population will consist of individuals with unilateral transtibial amputation, unilateral transfemoral amputation, or bilateral lower limb amputation. Participants will be recruited from military rehabilitation and trauma centers specializing in post-amputation care. The study aims to evaluate the relationship between amputation level and chronic low back pain during long-term rehabilitation and prosthesis use.
Cohort
Prospective
Not listed
Change in chronic low back pain intensity
Assessment of change in low back pain intensity using the Numeric Rating Scale, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain.
Low Back Pain Disability Assessed Using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)
Low back pain-related disability will be assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), a validated questionnaire designed to evaluate functional impairment associated with low back pain. The ODI consists of 10 sections covering pain intensity and activities of daily living. Total scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater disability and worse functional status. Scale Information: Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) Minimum Value: 0 Maximum Value: 100 Interpretation: Higher scores indicate greater low back pain-related disability and worse functional outcomes.
Low Back Pain Disability Assessed Using the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ)
Low back pain-related disability will be assessed using the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), a validated 24-item patient-reported outcome measure designed to evaluate functional limitations associated with low back pain. Participants indicate whether each statement applies to them on the day of assessment. Total scores range from 0 to 24, with higher scores indicating greater disability and worse functional status. Scale Information: Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) Minimum Value: 0 Maximum Value: 24 Interpretation: Higher scores indicate greater disability related to low back pain and worse functional outcomes.
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