Phantom limb pain following limb amputation : treatment and prevention methods

Objective: The aim of this systematic review is to present an up-to-date analysis of the current prevention and treatment methods available and effective at reducing PLP after limb amputation. Method: A comprehensive research equation was inserted in the following databases: Pubmed, PEDro, Cochrane and Scopus. Out of the 129 identified articles, 22 corresponded to the inclusion criteria and were chosen for further analysis. Results: Different trials, mostly RCTs, were divided according to treatment type of action, namely pharmacological and physical approaches, but also peripheral blocks, stump liners and novel interventions. Focus was put the effect these had on PLP intensity and/or duration, as measured by VAS and other scales. Trial durations and follow-up periods varied among the studies. Sample groups tended to be heterogeneous, making it difficult to compare results to one another. Conclusion: Research has yet to discover one specific intervention which leads to significant and long-term attenuation of PLP. Peripheral blocks and novel approaches which directly stimulate the cortex, however, show promising results among different type of amputee individuals. Future research should help clarify the exact physiopathology of PLP in order to generate targeted treatment possibilities and optimise guidelines of best-practice.