Article

Post-amputation pain is a multifactorial issue and thus necessitates
multiple treatment strategies. Myofascial trigger points-related pain remains
under diagnosed and hence not addressed. This study investigates causation and
management. OBJECTIVES: To identify the presence and role of myofascial trigger
points in post amputation pain. STUDY DESIGN: Post-amputation pain clinic review
and recruitment. METHODS: Twenty one identified patients in the post-amputation
pain clinic with myofascial trigger points were recruited, of which 13 were
transtibial and eight transfemoral and all had phantom limb pain and stump pain.
The trigger points were identified and injected with long-acting local
anaesthetic on a weekly basis and patients were followed up on an ongoing basis.
RESULTS: There was significant resolution of pain on the Visual Analogue Scale in
the majority of these patients within five weeks, though some of the transtibial
cohort needed further eight injections on a weekly basis for resolution of the
pain. CONCLUSION: Identification of myofascial trigger points in amputation
stumps and their role in post-amputation pain, followed by appropriate
intervention is an important facet of management of this complex chronic pain.
Clinical relevance Myofascial trigger points in amputation stumps can lead to
ongoing chronic post-amputation pain and our results indicate that identification
and intervention of these trigger points does lead to notable resolution of this
pain.

Langue : ANGLAIS