SPRINT® PNS; Post-amputation Pain
“Today, I’m not having a bit of phantom limb pain.”
Before SPRINT
In November of 2019, Gerald Britt needed to have his left leg amputated from above the knee. Almost immediately after the surgery, he developed phantom limb pain—sharp pain that shot down his left leg and beyond his stump. Phantom limb pain (PLP) refers to ongoing painful sensations that seem to be coming from the part of the limb that is no longer there. The limb is gone, but the pain is real. The onset of this pain most often occurs soon after surgery.
After SPRINT
Gerald was referred by his primary care physician to Dr. Mehta, a pain management specialist. He was prescribed medications, but they were ineffective. Dr. Mehta then suggested trying SPRINT PNS. It was an appealing option to Gerald because it wasn’t a permanent implant.
Gerald reports that one week after the SPRINT was placed, his pain started to decrease. By the second week, “the pain was gone.” And one month after the device was removed, he continues to be pain free. He’s now working with a physical therapist to learn to use his prosthetic, made easier since he is no longer having intense phantom limb pain.