Chronic pain after lower extremity amputation.

Pain is a common sequela of lower extremity amputation. Phantom limb pain is probably the most common pain syndrome that comes to mind when considering the spectrum of pain disorders experienced by amputees. However, in addition to this, residual limb pain and pain related to secondary musculoskeletal disorders are increasingly being recognized as important sources of nociception and pain-related disability in amputees. Although considerable research is still required to fully understand pain after amputation, this review article presents both a current understanding and a multidimensional perspective of pain in amputees and its epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, biopsychosocial interrelationships, and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]