Post Amputation Pain

Post Amputation Pain
Photo by ThisisEngineering / Unsplash

This topic was examined in

So we thought we'd focus on what you're likely to get asked.


What are the leading causes of amputation?

  • Peripheral vascular disease (including diabetes)
  • Trauma
  • Malignancy
  • Infection

Why is amputation so painful?

  • Large degree of tissue injury
  • Peripheral, spinal and cortical loci of pain generation
  • Nociceptive pain due to soft tissue and bone injury
  • Neuropathic pain from neural injury
  • Central sensitisation

Which nerves need blocking for lower limb amputation?

Below knee

  • Sciatic
  • Saphenous

Above knee

  • Sciatic
  • Femoral
  • Obturator