Article

Phantom pain in subjects with an amputated limb is a well-known problem. However,
estimates of the prevalence of phantom pain differ considerably in the literature. Various factors associated with phantom pain have been described
including pain before the amputation, gender, dominance, and time elapsed since
the amputation. The purposes of this study were to determine prevalence and
factors associated with phantom pain and phantom sensations in upper limb
amputees in The Netherlands. Additionally, the relationship between phantom pain,
phantom sensations and prosthesis use in upper limb amputees was investigated.
One hundred twenty-four upper limb amputees participated in this study. Subjects
were asked to fill out a self-developed questionnaire scoring the following
items: date, side, level, and reason of amputation, duration of experienced pain
before amputation, frequencies with which phantom sensations, phantom pain, and
stump pain are experienced, amount of trouble and suffering experienced,
respectively, related to these sensations, type of phantom sensations, medical
treatment received for phantom pain and/or stump pain, and the effects of the
treatment, self medication, and prosthesis use. The response rate was 80%. The
prevalence of phantom pain was 51%, of phantom sensations 76% and of stump pain
49%; 48% of the subjects experienced phantom pain a few times per day or more;
64% experienced moderate to very much suffering from the phantom pain. A
significant association was found between phantom pain and phantom sensations
(relative risk 11.3) and between phantom pain and stump pain (relative risk 1.9).
No other factors associated with phantom pain or phantom sensations could be
determined. Only four patients received medical treatment for their phantom pain.
Phantom pain is a common problem in upper limb amputees that causes considerable
suffering for the subjects involved. Only a minority of subjects are treated for
phantom pain. Further research is needed to determine factors associated with phantom pain.

Langue : ANGLAIS