Advances in the Treatment of Phantom Limb Pain

Abstract

Phantom limb pain (PLP) continues to place a significant emotional and physical burden on amputees and remains a challenge for those treating amputees. Despite advances in psychological, pharmacologic, and interventional therapies, treatment modalities and research results show promise, but there is no evidence to highly recommend any particular treatment. This review concludes that the best treatment approach is a measured and diligent trial of multiple modes of treatment. As researchers forge forward toward definitively establishing etiologies, focused treatment options may become available. Until then, PLP is an area that calls for intense research and which will continue to challenge the clinician caring for the amputee population.