[Residual limb and phantom pain : Causes and therapeutic approaches]

Abstract

Introduction: Residual limb pain and phantom pain are severe complications following an amputation. Various reasons are responsible for these complaints. It must be distinguished between amputation stump pain, phantom sensations and phantom pain.

Cause and therapy: In this paper we describe the most common reasons for stump pain and propose some non-operative therapeutic approaches. Furthermore path physiology and phantom pain therapy will be discussed. The recommendations offered in this paper are based on practical experience over three decades in a specialized out-patient department for patients with amputation injuries.