Ilizarov Stump Lenthening Can Aggravate Phantom Limb Pain - a Case Report

Ilizarov is an accepted technique for lengthening short amputation stumps to improve prosthetic function and rehabilitation. The relation of stump lengthening and phantom limb pain (PLP) has not been reported in literature. We present here a case report of a transfemoral amputee who had a flare up of PLP following stump lengthening. He responded well to a combination of pharmacological therapy and soft tissue manipulative techniques and desired length was achieved. This report alerts the possibility of aggravation of PLP following stump lengthening and discusses its management.