Phantom Limb, Phantom Pain and Stump Pain (Part I)

Abstract

We classified phantom limbs into five types, which vary according to the circumstance and psychological condition of the amputee. Phantom limbs can enlarge or elongate. The types of phantom limbs of amputees are basically the same but the disregarded phantom limbs are to be suppressed. An amputee who has Type I or II can describe conditions of the phantom limb with respect to the normal limb, can move the phantom limb voluntarily and can utilize it as the feedback mechanism when the prosthesis fits perfectry. Type II ampatee feels that the phantom limb can fit in a phosthesis and Type III amputee has strong psychological conflict between needs and suppression. Malfitting, malalignement of the prosthesis and abnormal gait pattern of the lower extremity amputee can be corrected to some extent. Lower extremity phantom limb is related to the gait pattern and upper extremity phantom limbs is related to hand function.