Abstract

OLARRA, J.  and  LONGARELA, A.. Chronic phantom sensation and residual limb pain 50 years after amputation. Rev. Soc. Esp. Dolor [online]. 2007, vol.14, n.6, pp.428-431. ISSN 1134-8046.

Background and objective: Residual limb pain or stump pain is defined as pain in the remaining part of an amputated limb. Patient: We present the case of a 74-year-old male patient with a history of posttraumatic transfemoral (above knee) amputation of the left lower limb who developed residual limb pain and phantom limb sensation 50 years after amputation without a clear etiology. Treatment with tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline), anticonvulsivants (gabapentin) and opioids (tramadol), provided a satisfactory control of pain. Conclusions: The existence of a neuromatrix initially determined genetically and later sculpted by sensory inputs (continuous nociceptive stimulation), could create what is known as the somatosensorial memory, responsible for the development of phantom limb pain.

Keywords : Amputation; Stump pain; Residual limb pain; Phantom limb pain; Phantom sensation.

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