In 26 amputees, the results after application of digital infrared thermographic imaging and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory test were evaluated.
There was no correlation between cause of amputation and phantom pain. In patients with phantom pain or stump pain, there was significant hypothermia at amputated site (p<0.05, Fischer's exact test). The pattern of hypothermia was regional in the patients with phantom pain, and localized in the patients with stump pain only(p<0.05, Fischer's exact test).
There was no specific psychological characteristics in the amputees with phantom pain as a result of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory test(p>0.05) but in the counselings, depression, denial, anxiety, and paranoia components were found in 15, 9, 14, and 2 cases respectively.
