Role of myofascial trigger points in post-amputation pain

Abstract

Background: Post-amputation pain is a multifactorial issue and thus necessitates multiple treatment strategies. Myofascial trigger points-related pain remains under diagnosed and hence not addressed. This study investigates causation and management. Objectives: To identify the presence and role of myofascial trigger points in post amputation pain. Study Design: Post-amputation pain clinic review and recruitment. Methods: Twenty one identified patients in the post-amputation pain clinic with myofascial trigger points were recruited, of which 13 were transtibial and eight transfemoral and all had phantom limb pain and stump pain. The trigger points were identified and injected with long-acting local anaesthetic on a weekly basis and patients were followed up on an ongoing basis. Results: There was significant resolution of pain on the Visual Analogue Scale in the majority of these patients within five weeks, though some of the transtibial cohort needed further eight injections on a weekly basis for resolution of the pain. Conclusion: Identification of myofascial trigger points in amputation stumps and their role in post-amputation pain, followed by appropriate intervention is an important facet of management of this complex chronic pain. Clinical relevanceMyofascial trigger points in amputation stumps can lead to ongoing chronic post-amputation pain and our results indicate that identification and intervention of these trigger points does lead to notable resolution of this pain.

Neurol Therapy Applications in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

“…22 Fantom Ağrısı: Post-amputasyon ağrı sendromunda, sağlam ekstremitedeki miyofasiyal tetik noktaların ağrıda önemli rol oynadığı gösterilmiş-tir ve sağlam ekstremiteye yapılan lokal anestezik enjeksiyonunun ağrıyı azalttığını gösteren çalış-malar mevcuttur. 23 Gross ve ark. sağlam ekstremitede miyofasyal tetik noktalara yapılan lokal anestezik enjeksiyonunun ağrıyı azalttığını bildirmişlerdir.…”