Preamputation mirror therapy may prevent development of phantom limb pain: a case series

We report the cases of 4 patients who performed daily mirror therapy for 2 wk before undergoing elective limb amputation. One patient experienced no phantom limb pain (PLP). Two patients experienced rare episodes of mild PLP without effect on their participation in physical therapy (PT) or their quality of life. One patient reported daily, brief episodes of moderate PLP without effect on his participation in PT or his stated quality of life. These results indicate that preoperative mirror therapy may improve postamputation PT compliance and decrease the incidence of PLP. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm the results of this case series.