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Case Report: Spinal cord stimulation for phantom limb pain facilitates upper limb myoelectric prosthesis use
Lauren E Penz1, Andrew W Nelson2, F Clay Smither1
1Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.
Introduction:
This case describes the application of spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of phantom limb pain in a patient with a left transhumeral amputation. Treatment of pain involving a high frequency spinal cord stimulator allowed the patient to utilize his myoelectric prosthesis and improve his overall function.
Clinical Findings:
Severe, phantom limb pain with associated involuntary muscle contractions prevented the patient from wearing a prosthesis for more than three hours per day. He also had difficulty using his myoelectric prosthesis to use his left upper extremity for functional tasks.
Therapeutic Intervention:
A high frequency spinal cord stimulator was placed at the level of the cervical spine. The patient had improvement in pain and overall function. He was also able to tolerate wearing his prosthesis longer each day.
Conclusion:
High frequency spinal cord stimulation may be an effective treatment option for individuals with phantom limb pain. Treatment of phantom limb pain may decrease barriers to prosthesis use and improve overall function.
