44. Symptomatic Neuroma Formation following Skeletal and Soft Tissue Tumor Resection

Abstract

PURPOSE: While symptomatic neuroma formation has been described in other patient populations, these data have not been studied in patients undergoing resection of musculoskeletal tumors. This study aims to characterize the incidence and risk factors of symptomatic neuroma formation following en bloc resection in this population. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed adults undergoing en bloc resections for musculoskeletal tumors at a high-volume sarcoma center from 2014-2019. We included en bloc resections for an oncologic indication and excluded non-en bloc resections, primary amputations, and patients with insufficient follow-up. Data are provided as descriptive statistics and multivariable regression modeling was performed. RESULTS: We included 231 patients undergoing 331 en bloc resections (46% female; mean age 52 years). Nerve transection was documented in 87 resections (26%). There were 81 symptomatic neuromas (25%) meeting criteria of Tinel sign or pain on exam and neuropathy in the distribution of suspected nerve injury. Factors associated with symptomatic neuroma formation included age 18-39 (aOR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.5-8.4; p < 0.01) and 40-64 (aOR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.1-4.6; p = 0.04), multiple resections (aOR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.7-5.9; p < 0.001), preoperative neuromodulator requirement (aOR, 2.7; 95% CI 1.2-6.0; p = 0.01) and resection of fascia or muscle (aOR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3-1.0; p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Our results highlight the importance of adequate preoperative optimization of pain control and intraoperative prophylaxis for neuroma prevention following en bloc resection of tumors, particularly for younger patients with a recurrent tumor burden.