A Survey of Frozen Phantom Limb Experiences: Are Experiences Compatible With Current Theories

Abstract

There are over two million individuals living with amputations in the United States. Almost all will experience the feeling of the amputated limb as still present, termed phantom limb sensation (PLS). Over 85% will also experience excruciatingly painful sensations known as phantom limb pain (PLP). Additionally some amputees also experience a sensation of the phantom limb in which the limb is immobile or stuck in a normal or abnormal anatomical position, termed frozen phantom sensations. When an amputee experiences a frozen limb they report that they are unable to move the limb, and sometimes report sensations of cramping and pain along with this immobility, fortunately not all frozen limbs are painful. Such sensations have previously been attributed to proprioceptive memories of the limb prior to amputation or a mismatch between visual feedback and proprioceptive feedback resulting from the initiation of a movement. Unfortunately there has been a dearth of research specifically focused on the frozen PLS. We conducted a survey to better elucidate and understand the characteristics and experiences of frozen PLSs. Results from the survey provided descriptions of a variety of frozen limb experiences, such as position and feelings experienced, combined with other phantom pain sensations, casting doubt on previous theories regarding frozen limbs. Further research needs to be focused on the etiology of phantom sensations and pain, which may not necessarily be maintained by the same processes, in order to understand better ways to treat PLP, increase mobility, and enhance amputees quality of life.

A multi-dimensional framework for prosthetic embodiment: a perspective for translational research

“…Further, there are no spatial discrepancies in the traditional sense: a properly-fitted prosthesis spatially aligns with the trunk and the residual limb like a biological limb would align. However, for people experiencing a frozen [ 66 ] or telescoped [ 67 ] phantom limb, a significant spatial discrepancy can arise between the prosthesis and the perceived phantom limb—potentially leading to a decrease in both ownership and agency.…”

Gaze, behavioral, and clinical data for phantom limbs after hand amputation from 15 amputees and 29 controls

“…Shrunk sensations were observed in 60% of them. About 86% of the amputees could freely move the phantom, while the other 13% of the amputees reported the feeling of having the phantom limb stuck in a certain position, i.e., frozen phantom 21 . This was tested by asking the participants to perform phantom finger tapping and phantom fist movements.…”

Reverse-Engineering Touch: Sense-Making and Making Sense with Prosthetic Neurostimulation

“…The phantom limb as it is lived subverts a dichotomous division of ‘phantom’ and ‘real’, an implicit hierarchy which, as amputee and media theorist Vivian Sobchack writes, ‘privileges the latter over the former on the basis of solely objective criteria’ (Sobchack, 2010: 53). For some people who have lost a limb, particularly those who have lost their limb in a traumatic accident, their phantom limbs are often ‘frozen’ or ‘stuck’ in a certain position (Collins et al, 2018). This is how Anders reported experiencing his phantom when he wasn’t wearing his prosthesis: his phantom bent at the elbow, the fist clenched tightly.…”