J Korean Orthop Assoc.  1979 Jun;14(2):255-264. 10.4055/jkoa.1979.14.2.255.

Phantom Phenomena in Traumatic Amputation

• Lee EY
• Kim DE
• You MK

• KMID: 2460626
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.1979.14.2.255

Abstract

Sixty amputees who had traumatic amputations due to industrial accidents were examined on their phantom limb and phantom pain phenomena and the following results were obtained. 1. Fifty-three (93%) of sixty amputees experienced phantom limb and twenty-four (40%) experienced phantom pain. The incidence of phantom pain in the lower limb amputation (59%) is greater than that of upper limb amputation (29%). 2. Amputees with asthenic body status gave higher incidence (56%) of phantom pain than those with muscular body status (20%). None of amputees with obese body status experienced phantom pain. 3. The sensation of strong current and cramping were most predominant sensations in the phantom pain. 4. Twenty-eight (93%) of thirty amputees had experienced painless phantom limb longer than four months. 5. Six (55%) of eleven upper limb amputees with phantom pain experienced pain sensation at the tips of fingers and nine (69%) of thirteen lower limb amputees with phantom pain experienced pain at the great toe. 6. Fifty-three (88%) of sixty amputees experienced telescoping of the lost limb and twenty-three (38%) of sixty amputees experienced jerking movement of the stump. 7. In fifty-four (90%) of sixty amputees, trigger zones triggering pain in the phantom limb were found in the healthy part of the body. 8. Twenty-two (40%) of fifty-five male amputees experienced burning sensation in the phantom limb associated with urination, defecation or ejaculation. 9. Cold temperature was predominant, aggrevating factor of the phantom pain. Fitting prosthesis and alcohol intake were predominant, relieving factor of the phantom pain.

MeSH Terms

Accidents, Occupational
Amputation
Amputation, Traumatic*
Amputees
Burns
Cold Temperature
Defecation
Ejaculation
Extremities
Fingers
Humans
Incidence
Lower Extremity
Male
Muscle Cramp
Phantom Limb
Prostheses and Implants
Sensation
Toes
Upper Extremity
Urination