Phantom limb pain in pediatric burn survivors

Phantom limb sensation and pain are reported by youth following amputations. While youth survivors of severe burns may require amputation as a part of their treatment, the authors are unaware of any descriptions as to the rates and features of phantom limb sensation and pain in this population. A retrospective chart review of all youth that were admitted to a burn care unit over the past 30 years and received amputations as part of their treatment was conducted to describe the rate of phantom sensation and pain. In the 34 patients with major limb amputations, phantom limb pain occurred at a rate similar to that reported in other studies and was an important issue in their care. Patients with amputations following electrical burn injury had a significantly higher rate of phantom limb pain than those with amputations following flame burn injury.