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Neurological Sciences : Official... Jun 2024Phantom Limb Syndrome (PLS) can be defined as the disabling or painful sensation of the presence of a body part that is no longer present after its amputation.... (Review)
Review
Phantom Limb Syndrome (PLS) can be defined as the disabling or painful sensation of the presence of a body part that is no longer present after its amputation. Anatomical changes involved in Phantom Limb Syndrome, occurring at peripheral, spinal and brain levels and include the formation of neuromas and scars, dorsal horn sensitization and plasticity, short-term and long-term modifications at molecular and topographical levels. The molecular reorganization processes of Phantom Limb Syndrome include NMDA receptors hyperactivation in the dorsal horn of the spinal column leading to inflammatory mechanisms both at a peripheral and central level. At the brain level, a central role has been recognized for sodium channels, BDNF and adenosine triphosphate receptors. In the paper we discuss current available pharmacological options with a final overview on non-pharmacological options in the pipeline.
PubMed: 38853232
DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07634-1 -
PM & R : the Journal of Injury,... Jun 2024Prescription medications are an essential element of military amputation care programs.
BACKGROUND
Prescription medications are an essential element of military amputation care programs.
OBJECTIVES
To analyze (1) outpatient prescription medications following combat-related amputations, (2) longitudinal changes in prescription activity during the first year postinjury, and (3) patient characteristics associated with prescription medications.
DESIGN
Retrospective study of military casualty records and outpatient prescription medications. Clinicians identified 13 medication categories based on American Hospital Formulary Service classifications.
SETTING
Military amputation rehabilitation program.
PATIENTS
1651 service members who sustained major limb amputations during 2001-2017.
MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES
Prescription medication category, days' supply, opioid dosage.
RESULTS
During the first year postinjury, patients averaged 65 outpatient prescriptions (new or refills, SD = 43.3) and 8 (SD = 1.9) of 13 medication categories. Nearly all patients (99%) had opioid prescriptions averaging high dosages with variation by patient characteristics and postinjury time. At least 84% of patients had prescriptions for one or more central nervous system, gastrointestinal, psychotherapeutic, immune/anti-infective and/or nonopioid analgesic medications. Prescriptions declined from the first (92%) to fourth (73%) quarter postinjury. Many patients had prescription opioids (51%), central nervous system medications (43%), or psychotherapeutic medications (32%) during the fourth quarter. In regression models, multiple factors including White race/ethnicity (relative risk [RR] = 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.06-1.28], p = .001), injury severity, traumatic brain injury, upper limb amputation (RR = 0.90; CI: [0.83-0.99], p = .020), multiple amputation (RR = 1.12 CI: [1.03-1.22], p = .008), phantom limb syndrome, chronic pain, and posttraumatic stress disorder were significantly associated with prescriptions (p's < .05).
CONCLUSIONS
Amputation care providers manage a high volume and wide range of prescription medications including multiple central nervous system drugs. The results show significant variation in prescription practices by patient characteristics and time postinjury. These findings can help optimize the benefits and reduce the risks of prescription medications and indicate areas for future research.
PubMed: 38845483
DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.13192 -
Acta Medica Philippina 2024Phantom limb pain (PLP) is difficult to control, and patients frequently exhibit inadequate relief from medications or encounter unbearable side effects. We present here...
Phantom limb pain (PLP) is difficult to control, and patients frequently exhibit inadequate relief from medications or encounter unbearable side effects. We present here a novel application of erector spinae plane (ESP) block to manage PLP. Our patient is a 23-year-old, college student, diagnosed with high-grade osteosarcoma of the right humerus who underwent a right shoulder disarticulation. He reported PLP despite multimodal analgesia postoperatively. An ESP block using a high-frequency linear probe ultrasound was performed. A G23 spinal needle was advanced in-plane toward the right T3 transverse process. After negative aspiration, 20 mL of therapeutic solution containing bupivacaine 0.25%, lidocaine 1%, epinephrine 5 mcg/ml, and 40 mg methylprednisolone was injected. After the procedure, the patient reported that his PLP went down to NRS 1/10. He consistently reported to have an NRS score of 0-1/10 on succeeding consultations despite discontinuation of opioid and pregabalin. In literature, ESP block has been used as a regional technique for shoulder disarticulation surgery and other neuropathic pain conditions, but no account has shown its use for PLP treatment. The procedure was successfully done to alleviate the upper extremity phantom limb pain, significantly reduce analgesic requirements, and improve tolerance of physical therapy and overall quality of life.
PubMed: 38836080
DOI: 10.47895/amp.v58i9.8821 -
PM & R : the Journal of Injury,... Jun 2024This report explores and summarizes perspectives from end users on unmet needs in achieving optimal and effective phantom pain management through a human-centered design...
BACKGROUND
This report explores and summarizes perspectives from end users on unmet needs in achieving optimal and effective phantom pain management through a human-centered design approach.
OBJECTIVE
To examine current strategies, pharmacological, nonpharmacological, surgical procedures, virtual reality, and mirror therapy, and the evidence supporting them, in the management of phantom limb pain.
DESIGN
This study reviewed and analyzed transcripts acquired in nonresearch contexts from the Veterans Affairs Translational Education and Mentoring Center's commercialization training program and from a Veteran Engagement Panel. Key themes were extracted using quasi-qualitative analysis of one-on-one interviews.
RESULTS
Clinicians and patients report that early patient intervention and education will yield improved management of phantom limb pain, which aligns with the growing recognition of the impact of patient-centered care on overall treatment outcomes. Mirror therapy is viewed as an effective and low-risk therapy, though compliance and buy-in may be barriers to clinical practice. Patient engagement can contribute to better treatment adherence and outcomes.
CONCLUSION
The study highlights implementation barriers, importance of end-user input, and the role of the Veteran Engagement Panel in providing feedback to pain researchers. The findings help explain unaddressed challenges and areas requiring further research to direct phantom pain management.
PubMed: 38828635
DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.13198 -
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive &... Jul 2024Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) has been shown to reduce phantom limb pain (PLP) and residual limb pain (RLP) after major limb amputation. However, the effect of the... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) has been shown to reduce phantom limb pain (PLP) and residual limb pain (RLP) after major limb amputation. However, the effect of the timing of surgery on pain control and quality of life outcomes is controversial. We conducted a retrospective study to compare the outcomes of acute TMR for pain prevention with non-acute TMR for the treatment of established pain.
METHODS
All patients treated with TMR in our institution between January 2018 and December 2021 were evaluated at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months post-operatively. Pain intensity and quality of life outcomes were assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory (Pain Severity and Pain Interference scales) and Pain Catastrophizing Scale. Outcomes were compared between acute and non-acute TMR using the Wilcoxon ranked-sum test or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. Multilevel mixed-effects linear regression was used to account for repeat measures and potential pain confounders.
RESULTS
Thirty-two patients with 38 major limb amputations were included. Acute TMR patients reported significantly lower RLP and PLP scores, pain interference and pain catastrophisation at all time points (p < 0.05). Acute TMR was significantly associated with lower pain severity and pain interference in a linear mixed-effects model accounting for patient age, gender, amputation indication, amputation site, time post-TMR and repeated surveys (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the complication rate (p = 0.51).
CONCLUSION
Acute TMR was associated with clinically and statistically significant pain outcomes that were better than that in non-acute TMR. This suggests that TMR should be performed with preventative intent, when possible, as part of a multidisciplinary approach to pain management, rather than deferred until the development of chronic pain.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Amputation, Surgical; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Phantom Limb; Pain Measurement; Muscle, Skeletal; Quality of Life; Pain, Postoperative; Aged; Nerve Transfer; Adult; Pain Management
PubMed: 38823079
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2024.05.011 -
Disability and Rehabilitation May 2024Phantom limb pain (PLP) is treated with medications and non-drug treatments. Best clinical practices for measuring treatment outcomes have not been defined. The...
PURPOSE
Phantom limb pain (PLP) is treated with medications and non-drug treatments. Best clinical practices for measuring treatment outcomes have not been defined. The objective of this study was to evaluate the internal consistency of patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) in a sample of Veterans with lower limb amputation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The Veteran phone survey included administering PROMs [1) PLP numeric rating scale (NRS), 2) general pain NRS, 3) Pain, Enjoyment, and General Activity (PEG) scale, 4) Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pain Interference Short Form 6b Replacement, 5) PROMIS Short Form Depression 4a and 6) PROMIS Short Form Anxiety 4a].
RESULTS
Fifty Veterans (48 male, 2 female; average age: 66 years) completed PROMs. In our sample, 40 Veterans (80%) experienced PLP with an average PLP NRS of 5 (±3.4). Internal consistency of each measure was good to excellent based on Cronbach's alpha co-efficient of >0.80. Correlations were moderate between PLP NRS and all other measures (≤0.32). Although many Veterans expressed bothersome PLP, the scores reflecting pain interference and impact on function were lower than pain intensity. Consistent use of outcome measures is needed to determine the effect of interventions for amputation-related pain.
PubMed: 38813752
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2356017 -
Ultrasonic Imaging May 2024Given its real-time capability to quantify mechanical tissue properties, ultrasound shear wave elastography holds significant promise in clinical musculoskeletal...
Given its real-time capability to quantify mechanical tissue properties, ultrasound shear wave elastography holds significant promise in clinical musculoskeletal imaging. However, existing shear wave elastography methods fall short in enabling full-limb analysis of 3D anatomical structures under diverse loading conditions, and may introduce measurement bias due to sonographer-applied force on the transducer. These limitations pose numerous challenges, particularly for 3D computational biomechanical tissue modeling in areas like prosthetic socket design. In this feasibility study, a clinical linear ultrasound transducer system with integrated shear wave elastography capabilities was utilized to scan both a calibrated phantom and human limbs in a water tank imaging setup. By conducting 2D and 3D scans under varying compressive loads, this study demonstrates the feasibility of volumetric ultrasound shear wave elastography of human limbs. Our preliminary results showcase a potential method for evaluating 3D spatially varying tissue properties, offering future extensions to computational biomechanical modeling of tissue for various clinical scenarios.
PubMed: 38770999
DOI: 10.1177/01617346241253798 -
Journal of the American Podiatric... 2024There are various factors affecting the use of prostheses. This study was aimed to examine satisfaction, psychological state, quality of life, and the factors affecting...
BACKGROUND
There are various factors affecting the use of prostheses. This study was aimed to examine satisfaction, psychological state, quality of life, and the factors affecting these in individuals who use prostheses because of lower-extremity amputation.
METHODS
Sixty-three patients were included in this study. Demographic data and features related amputation and prosthesis were recorded. Quality of life was evaluated with the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), anxiety and depression levels were evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), body image was evaluated by the Amputee Body Image Scale (ABIS), prosthesis satisfaction was evaluated with the Prosthesis Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ), and the relationship between them was examined.
RESULTS
There was a positive correlation between all HADS scores, NHP-emotional reactions, NHP-sleep, NHP-social isolation, NHP-total, and ABIS (P < .05). A negative correlation was found between HADS-anxiety and PSQ results (r = -0.394, P = .003). A positive correlation was found between HADS-depression scores and NHP-pain, NHP-emotional reactions, NHP-social isolation, NHP-total, and ABIS (P < .05); and a negative correlation was found with PSQ questionnaire scores (r = -0.427, P = .001). There was a positive correlation between HADS-total scores and all parameters except NHP-energy level and ABIS (P < .05). A positive correlation was found between ABIS and all parameters except NHP-energy level (P < .05). A negative correlation was found between PSQ and NHP-social isolation, NHP-physical activity, and NHP-total scores (r = -0.312, P = 0.019; r = -0.312, P = .019; and r = -0.277, P = .039, respectively). The presence of residual extremity pain was found to be an effective factor on the psychological state (β = 0.429, P = .001). The presence of residual limb pain and phantom pain were found to be effective factors on the prosthesis satisfaction (β = -0.41, P = .001; and β = -0.406, P = .001, respectively). The presence of residual extremity pain and anxiety level were found independent risk factors on the NHP (β = -0.401, P = .006; and β = -0.445, P = .006, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
Individuals using prostheses because of lower-extremity amputation should be examined in detail from various perspectives.
Topics: Humans; Male; Pilot Projects; Female; Quality of Life; Middle Aged; Artificial Limbs; Adult; Lower Extremity; Amputees; Patient Satisfaction; Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires; Anxiety; Depression; Amputation, Surgical; Body Image
PubMed: 38753529
DOI: 10.7547/22-154 -
Frontiers in Pain Research (Lausanne,... 2024Relieving phantom limb pain (PLP) after amputation in patients resistant to conventional therapy remains a challenge. While the causes for PLP are unclear, one model...
INTRODUCTION
Relieving phantom limb pain (PLP) after amputation in patients resistant to conventional therapy remains a challenge. While the causes for PLP are unclear, one model suggests that maladaptive plasticity related to cortical remapping following amputation leads to altered mental body representations (MBR) and contributes to PLP. Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation (CMR) has led to reduced pain in other neurologic conditions by restoring MBR. This is the first study using CMR to relieve PLP.
METHODS
A 26-year-old woman experienced excruciating PLP after amputation of the third proximal part of the leg, performed after several unsuccessful treatments (i.e., epidural stimulator, surgeries, analgesics) for debilitating neuropathic pain in the left foot for six years with foot deformities resulting from herniated discs. The PLP was resistant to pain medication and mirror therapy. PLP rendered donning a prosthesis impossible. The patient received 35 CMR sessions (2×/day during weekdays, October-December 2012). CMR provides multisensory discrimination exercises on the healthy side and multisensory motor imagery exercises of present and past actions in both limbs to restore MBR and reduce PLP.
RESULTS
After CMR, PLP reduced from 6.5-9.5/10 to 0/10 for neuropathic pain with only 4-5.5/10 for muscular pain after exercising on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. McGill Pain Questionnaire scores reduced from 39/78 to 5/78, and Identity (ID)-Pain scores reduced from 5/5 to 0/5. Her pain medication was reduced by at least 50% after discharge. At 10-month follow-up (9/2013), she no longer took Methadone or Fentanyl. After discharge, receiving CMR as outpatient, she learned to walk with a prosthesis, and gradually did not need crutches anymore to walk independently indoors and outdoors (9/2013). At present (3/2024), she no longer takes pain medication and walks independently with the prosthesis without assistive devices. PLP is under control. She addresses flare-ups with CMR exercises on her own, using multisensory motor imagery, bringing the pain down within 10-15 min.
CONCLUSION
The case study seems to support the hypothesis that CMR restores MBR which may lead to long-term (12-year) PLP reduction. MBR restoration may be linked to restoring accurate multisensory motor imagery of the remaining and amputated limb regarding present and past actions.
PubMed: 38726352
DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2024.1374141 -
Annals of Surgery May 2024To evaluate the prophylactic effect of Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI) surgery on pediatric post-amputation pain.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the prophylactic effect of Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI) surgery on pediatric post-amputation pain.
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA
Chronic post-amputation pain is a debilitating and refractory sequela of limb amputation affecting up to 83% of pediatric patients with limb loss, resulting in disability and decreased quality of life. We postulate that prophylactic RPNI surgery performed during amputation may decrease the incidence of symptomatic neuroma and development of phantom limb pain, as well as limit analgesic use among pediatric patients with limb loss.
METHODS
Retrospective chart review was performed on pediatric patients between the ages of 8 and 21 years who underwent major lower limb amputation with and without RPNI surgery. Documented neuroma and phantom limb pain scores as well as analgesic use was recorded. Narcotic use was converted to milligrams morphine equivalents per day (MME/day) while overall analgesic use was converted to Medication Quantification Scale version III (MQSIII) scores. Analysis was performed using Stata.
RESULTS
Forty-four pediatric patients were identified; 25 RPNI patients and 19 controls. Seventy-nine percent of control patients developed chronic post-amputation pain versus 21% of RPNI patients (P<0.001). Among the patients who developed post-amputation pain, 20% of controls developed clinical neuroma pain, compared to 0% of RPNI patients (P<0.001). Additionally, RPNI patients demonstrated a significant decrease in pain score (P=0.007) and narcotic usage (P<0.01), compared to controls. Overall analgesic use did not vary significantly between groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Prophylactic RPNI surgery shows promise for pediatric patients undergoing major lower limb amputation by preventing both symptomatic neuromas and possibly the development of phantom limb pain.
PubMed: 38716659
DOI: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000006327