Randomised placebo-controlled trial of continuous sciatic or posterior tibial nerve blockade on pain after major lower limb amputation

Persistent pain after major lower limb amputation is common, with an incidence of up to 80%. 1 Once established, phantom limb pain is very difficult to treat and can have a significant adverse effect on quality of life and rehabilitation. 2 Several techniques including regional anaesthesia, nerve stimulation, ketamine, or nerve stump infiltration with local anaesthetic have been investigated for the prevention or alleviation of long-term pain after amputation, but the data are conflicting and most studies have been very small.