Phantom limb pain

Abstract

Phantom limb phenomenon (PLP) almost occurred on every patient who suffered ampu- tation surgery.The incidence of phantom limb pain was reported about 60%-70% of the PLP.The etio- pathogenesis of phantom limb pain remains unclear.However,both peripheral and central neural mecha- nisms have been described,along with superimposed psychological mechanisms.Recently,cortical reorgani- zation after amputation is recognized as another important central neural mechanism of phantom limb pain. While numerous treatments have been described,there is a little evidence supporting drug therapy,nerve block,surgery techniques,and psychological therapy.Until today,there is no unified recognition about the etiopathogenesis and treatments of phantom limb pain.