Treating intractable phantom limb pain with ambulatory continuous peripheral nerve blocks: a pilot study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There is currently no reliable treatment for phantom limb pain (PLP). Chronic PLP and associated cortical abnormalities may be maintained from abnormal peripheral input, raising the possibility that a continuous peripheral nerve block (CPNB) of extended duration may permanently reorganize cortical pain mapping, thus providing lasting relief.

Methods

Three men with below-the-knee (2) or -elbow (1) amputations and intractable PLP received femoral/sciatic or infraclavicular perineural catheter(s), respectively. Subjects were randomized in a double-masked fashion to receive perineural ropivacaine (0.5%) or normal saline for over 6 days as outpatients using portable electronic infusion pumps. Four months later, subjects returned for repeated perineural catheter inserti

SUBMITTER: Ilfeld BM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3696484 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature