Amputation-Related Pain

With a growing prevalence of amputation in the United States—largely because of diabetes and dysvascular disease, and a sizable portion of those individuals living with pain—an understanding of amputation-related pain is becoming increasingly important among clinicians in primary care as well as across multiple specialties. Amputation presents unique and potentially challenging presentations of pain, with multiple potential etiologies. Although neuropathic pain syndromes are the focus of this text, nonneuropathic causes must also be addressed, as they can either occur concomitantly or be difficult to distinguish. Probably the most unique neuropathic amputation-related pain syndrome is the phenomenon of phantom pain; however, other neuropathic conditions exist as well. This chapter discusses the evaluation and treatment of amputation-related pain, which can occur in this patient population through all stages of recovery, from the immediate postoperative period on.