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Phantom Radicular Pain Treated with Lumbar Microdiscectomy: A Case Report
Orkun Koban1, Ahmet Ogrenci, Onur Yaman
1Neurospinal Academy, Neurosurgery Clinic, Istanbul, Turkey.
Turkish Neurosurgery
|March 8, 2017
Summary
Phantom limb pain, specifically phantom radicular pain, is poorly understood in amputees. This case study explores treatment options for phantom radiculitis, often caused by degenerative disc disease, including surgery.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Medicine
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Phantom limb pain (PLP) in amputees lacks clear definition, particularly phantom radicular pain (also termed phantom radiculitis or radiculopathy).
- Limited case studies describe phantom radicular pain, where amputees experience radicular pain mimicking nerve root irritation.
Observation:
- The severity of phantom pain can increase if amputees have underlying pathological conditions causing radicular pain.
- Degenerative disc disease is identified as a primary cause of phantom radicular pain in this population.
Findings:
- Spinal injections offer a method for pain control.
- Surgical intervention, such as lumbar microdiscectomy, is considered when conservative treatments fail to provide adequate pain relief.
Implications:
- Successful medical or surgical treatment is expected to alleviate phantom radicular pain.
- Post-treatment, phantom pain levels are anticipated to decrease to their previous baseline.
- This case highlights the importance of addressing underlying spinal pathology in managing complex phantom limb pain presentations.
