Recurrence Of Neuroma Research Articles

Strategies for Treating Traumatic Neuromas with Tissue-Engineered Materials.

Neuroma, a pathological response to peripheral nerve injury, refers to the abnormal growth of nerve tissue characterized by disorganized axonal proliferation. Commonly occurring after nerve injuries, surgeries, or amputations, this condition leads to the formation of painful nodular structures. Traditional treatment options include surgical excision and pharmacological management, aiming to alleviate symptoms. However, these approaches often offer temporary relief without addressing the underlying regenerative challenges, necessitating the exploration of advanced strategies such as tissue-engineered materials for more comprehensive and effective solutions. In this study, we discussed the etiology, molecular mechanisms, and histological morphology of traumatic neuromas after peripheral nerve injury. Subsequently, we summarized and analyzed current nonsurgical and surgical treatment options, along with their advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, we emphasized recent advancements in treating traumatic neuromas with tissue-engineered material strategies. By integrating biomaterials, growth factors, cell-based approaches, and electrical stimulation, tissue engineering offers a comprehensive solution surpassing mere symptomatic relief, striving for the structural and functional restoration of damaged nerves. In conclusion, the utilization of tissue-engineered materials has the potential to significantly reduce the risk of neuroma recurrence after surgical treatment.

Revision Surgery for Recurrent Morton Neuroma with Use of a Collagen Conduit.

Revision Surgery for Recurrent Morton Neuroma with Use of a Collagen Conduit.

Comparison of 2 Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface Techniques for the Treatment of Rat Neuroma Pain.

Treatment of painful neuromas has long posed a significant challenge for peripheral nerve patients. The regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI) provides the transected nerve with a muscle graft target to prevent neuroma formation. Discrepancies in RPNI surgical techniques between animal models ("inlay" RPNI) and clinical studies ("burrito" RPNI) preclude direct translation of results from bench to bedside and may account for variabilities in patient outcomes. The authors compared outcomes of these 2 surgical techniques in a rodent model. Animals treated with burrito RPNI after tibial nerve neuroma formation demonstrated no improvement in pain assessment, and tissue analysis revealed complete atrophy of the muscle graft with neuroma recurrence. By contrast, animals treated with inlay RPNI had significant improvement in pain with viable muscle grafts. The results suggest superiority of the inlay RPNI surgical technique for the management of painful neuroma in rodents. RPNIs are currently being used to prevent and treat neuroma and phantom limb pain. This preclinical study suggests the superiority of one surgical technique over the other.

Neuroma Treatment With the Acellular Nerve Allograft Reconstruction Technique.

Treatment of a painful neuroma is a challenging problem for both the patient and the providers. Current surgical treatment options typically include excision of the neuroma and stump relation. However, with both treatment options, patients have high rates of persistent pain and rates of neuroma recurrence. We describe two patients with neuromas treated with our acellular nerve allograft reconstruction technique. This technique involves the excision of the neuroma and bridging the proximal nerve end to the surrounding tissue with an acellular nerve allograft. Both patients had immediate resolution of their neuropathic pain that was maintained at their final follow-up. Acellular nerve allograft reconstruction is a promising treatment option for the treatment of painful neuromas.

Targeted Muscle Reinnervation at the Time of Amputation Decreases Recurrent Symptomatic Neuroma Formation.

Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) is an effective technique for the prevention and management of phantom limb pain (PLP) and residual limb pain (RLP) among amputees. The purpose of this study was to evaluate symptomatic neuroma recurrence and neuropathic pain outcomes between cohorts undergoing TMR at the time of amputation (ie, acute) versus TMR following symptomatic neuroma formation (ie, delayed). A cross-sectional, retrospective chart review was conducted using patients undergoing TMR between 2015 and 2020. Symptomatic neuroma recurrence and surgical complications were collected. A subanalysis was conducted for patients who completed Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) pain intensity, interference, and behavior scales and an 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS) form. A total of 105 limbs from 103 patients were identified, with 73 acute TMR limbs and 32 delayed TMR limbs. Nineteen percent of the delayed TMR group had symptomatic neuromas recur in the distribution of original TMR compared with 1% of the acute TMR group ( P < 0.05). Pain surveys were completed at final follow-up by 85% of patients in the acute TMR group and 69% of patients in the delayed TMR group. Of this subanalysis, acute TMR patients reported significantly lower PLP PROMIS pain interference ( P < 0.05), RLP PROMIS pain intensity ( P < 0.05), and RLP PROMIS pain interference ( P < 0.05) scores in comparison to the delayed group. Patients who underwent acute TMR reported improved pain scores and a decreased rate of neuroma formation compared with TMR performed in a delayed fashion. These results highlight the promising role of TMR in the prevention of neuropathic pain and neuroma formation at the time of amputation. Therapeutic, III.

Muscle-in-Vein Conduits for the Treatment of Symptomatic Neuroma of Sensory Digital Nerves.

Background: Considering the debilitating burden of neuroma resulting in a significant loss of function and excruciating pain, the use of muscle-in-vein conduits (MVCs) for the reconstruction of painful neuroma of sensory nerves of the fingers was assessed. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 10 patients who underwent secondary digital nerve repair by MVCs. The recovery of sensibility was evaluated by static and moving two-point discrimination (2PDs, 2PDm) and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing (SWM). The minimum follow-up was set 12 months after the operation. Results: The median period between trauma and nerve repair was 13.4 weeks (IQR 53.5). After neuroma resection, defects ranged from 10–35 mm (mean 17.7 mm, SD 0.75). The successful recovery of sensibility was achieved in 90% of patients after a median follow-up of 27.0 months (IQR 31.00). The mean 2PDs and 2PDm was 8.1 mm (SD 3.52) and 5.2 mm (SD 2.27), respectively. Assessment by SWM resulted in a mean value of 3.54 (SD 0.69). Reduction in pain was achieved among all patients; eight patients reported the complete relief of neuropathic pain. There was no recurrence of neuroma in any patient. Conclusions: Muscle-in-vein conduits provide an effective treatment for painful neuroma of digital nerves, resulting in satisfactory restoration of sensory function and relief of pain.

The efficacy of acupuncture on pain and functional status in patients with lower extremity amputation with stump neuroma: A prospective randomised controlled pilot study

Considering the low success rate of the treatment of neuroma, it is important to apply effective treatment methods alone or in combination with other approaches. This study was aimed to determine the effect of acupuncture treatment on pain severity and functional status in patients with lower extremity amputation with stump neuroma. Thirty below-knee amputees with symptomatic stump neuromas took part in this prospective randomised controlled study. Patients were randomised into two groups an acupuncture treatment group ( n = 15) or a control group ( n = 15). A rehabilitation program and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation was applied to the patients in both groups. All assessments (except for the 2 min walk test) were performed pre-treatment, post-treatment and 12 weeks after treatment. In both groups, there was significant decrease in VAS scores-at rest, -with movement, -at night and LANSS scores both at post-treatment and follow up at 12 weeks. A significant increase was detected in the distance walked in the 2 min walk test at post-treatment ( p = 0.001). Between two-group comparisons showed that VAS-at rest, VAS-with movement, LANSS and 2 min walk test scores changed between pre-treatment-post-treatment were significant in favor of acupuncture treatment group ( p = 0.002, p = 0.021, p = 0.001, p <0.001, respectively) (Table 3). It was observed that VAS-at rest, VAS-with movement, VAS-at night and LANSS scores changed between pre-treatment and at 12 weeks follow up were more statistically significant for the acupuncture treatment group ( p = 0.002, p = 0.015, p = 0.05, p <0.001, respectively) compared with the control group. Considering the low success rate of stump neuroma treatment methods and the high rate of neuroma recurrence, acupuncture therapy can be safely added to existing treatments. NCT05244369.

Clinical Outcomes of Revision Surgery Using a Dorsal Approach After Failed Primary Interdigital Neuroma Excision.

Revision neurectomy may be approached with either a dorsal or a plantar incision. Although a plantar approach is more commonly described, few studies have investigated outcomes following a dorsal revision neuroma excision. In this study, we performed a case series on a group of patients who underwent revision neuroma excision through a dorsal approach and reported complications and outcomes using validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). This retrospective case series included 10 patients who underwent a dorsal-approach revision neuroma excision and had preoperative and minimum 1-year postoperative Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores. Complications including neuroma recurrence and continued unresolved pain were obtained from the electronic medical record. Preoperative and postoperative PROMIS scores were compared to assess improvement in PROMs. There were significant improvements in the PROMIS pain interference (P = .026), pain intensity (P = .008), and global physical health (P = .017) domains. One patient experienced recurrence of their neuroma 4 years after surgery. This case series provides preliminary data indicating that revision neurectomy using a dorsal approach leads to satisfactory outcomes in pain-related PROMs. Further research with comparative study designs is necessary to determine if one approach is superior to the other. Level IV: Retrospective.

“Decreasing Postamputation Pain with the Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI)”

Over 185,000 limb amputations are performed in the United States annually, many of which are due to the sequelae of peripheral vascular disease. Symptomatic neuromas remain a significant source of postamputation morbidity and contribute to both phantom limb (PLP) and residual limb pain (RLP). While many interventions have been proposed for the treatment of symptomatic neuromas, conventional methods lead to a high incidence of neuroma recurrence. Furthermore, these existing methods do not facilitate an ability to properly interface with myoelectric prosthetic devices. The Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI) was developed to overcome these limitations. The RPNI consists of an autologous free muscle graft secured around the end of a transected nerve. The muscle graft provides regenerating axons with end organs to reinnervate, thereby preventing neuroma formation. We have shown that this simple, reproducible, and safe surgical technique successfully treats and prevents neuroma formation in major limb amputations. In this paper, we describe RPNI surgery in the setting of major limb amputation and highlight the promising results of RPNIs in our animal and clinical studies.

Neuroma Prevention and Implantation Effects of NEUROCAP in Rat Sciatic Nerve Model

Abstract Introduction Symptomatic neuroma with neuropathic pain can develop following peripheral nerve injury. Current interventions for symptomatic neuroma have unpredictable results. NEUROCAP (Polyganics, Groningen, The Netherlands) is a bioresorbable nerve capping device intended to protect a peripheral nerve end and separate the nerve from the surrounding environment, to prevent the recurrence of a symptomatic neuroma. Materials and Methods This study aims to assess the implantation effects of the NEUROCAP device in a rat sciatic nerve model during 12 months (±2 days). Forty-one adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. They were randomly divided into a capping or test group, or a noncapping or control group for different time points of survival (12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months). The objective of this study was evaluated regarding procedural data, adverse events, clinical observations, and histopathology. Results The overall general health of the animals was adequate throughout the study, with the exception of autotomy during the first 4 months of survival. Eight animals were euthanized early due to autotomy, excluded from the study and seven of them have been replaced. Autotomy was an expected outcome and a known limitation of the animal model, particularly as this was a full sciatic nerve transection model. Neuroma formation was observed in the control group while there was no neuroma formation present in the test group. The control group showed increased nerve outgrowth and more chaotic fascicles in comparison with the test group. The test group also had a higher percentage of myelinated fibers compared to the control group. These results indicate a preventive mode of action of the NEUROCAP with regard to neuroma formation after nerve transection in a rat sciatic nerve model. Conclusion The results indicate that NEUROCAP is safe and effective in preventing the recurrence of neuroma formation and inhibiting nerve outgrowth.

Chronic Knee and Ankle Pain Treatment through Selective Microsurgical Approaches: A Minimally Invasive Option in the Treatment Algorithm for Refractory Lower Limb Pain.

Injury or compression of a sensory nerve is an under-reported source of disabling pain in the lower limb. It is known that peripheral nerve microsurgeons can reconstruct and rewire injured nerves to relieve chronic pain but this option remains not completely understood and ignored by most orthopaedic surgeons, neurologists, and pain therapists. In this paper, we describe our experience with knee and ankle peripheral nerve surgery to improve the condition of patients suffering from chronic, posttraumatic lower limb pain. Between 2015 and 2018, a retrospective investigation was performed including patients who underwent ankle and knee nerve surgery for posttraumatic chronic pain with at least 1 year of follow-up. Previous surgeries or type of trauma, pain location and characteristics, type of operation (reconstruction, decompression, or denervation), and number of nerves operated were listed. Selective neuropathy was confirmed by ultrasound-guided nerve blocks. Outcome was assessed combining the visual analogue scale (VAS) score at rest and during movement, functional indexes, drug use, and ability to work. A total of 34 patients (14 knee and 20 ankle) were included in this study. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05%) in postoperative pain at rest and during activity was seen in both groups of patients. Good to excellent outcomes were recorded in 92 and 80% of patients treated, respectively, at the knee and the ankle levels. No major complications occurred, while a secondary procedure due to neuroma recurrence was necessary in seven patients (three knees and four ankles). Peripheral nerve microsurgery is a useful and minimally invasive tool to be added in the algorithm of treatment of chronic knee and ankle pain. Physicians should be trained to suspect a neuropathic origin of pain in absence of musculoskeletal signs of pathology, especially following trauma or surgeries.

Treatment of Neuroma-induced Chronic Pain and Management of Nerve Defects with Processed Nerve Allografts.

Background:Symptomatic neuromas can cause significant chronic pain and negatively impact quality of life. Symptoms often persist despite narcotics and nonoperative interventions, which are largely ineffective. With the opioid crisis, treatments for chronic pain that limit narcotics are needed. Traditional surgical options may result in neuroma recurrence. Autograft reconstruction often results in donor-site morbidity. Processed nerve allografts facilitate axonal growth, nerve regeneration, and eliminate donor-site morbidity.Methods:A literature review was performed to identify studies in which chronic neuroma pain was treated with excision and processed nerve allograft reconstruction. PubMed was queried, and data from the studies were grouped into treatment effective and ineffective groups. Statistical analyses were performed on these groups, and further subgroup analysis was performed on overall change of preoperative and postoperative pain scores using a paired t test.Results:Seven studies fulfilled inclusion criteria yielding 42 patients. Greater than 90% of patients had improvement of pain postoperatively. The preoperative and postoperative pain scores could be determined for 40 patients. The mean preoperative score was 7.9, and the mean postoperative score was 3.54. These results were statistically significant using a paired t test with a P value of <0.001.Conclusions:Chronic pain resulting from symptomatic neuromas can be treated with neuroma excision and nerve stump reconstruction with processed nerve allograft. This obviates autograft-associated donor-site morbidity and provides a platform to potentially restore sensation to the involved nerve whenever a distal nerve end is available. Addressing the root cause is an important paradigm shift for treating symptomatic neuromas.

Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interfaces for the Treatment of Postamputation Neuroma Pain: A Pilot Study.

Background:Originally designed for prosthetic control, regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces (RPNIs) prevent neuroma formation by providing free muscle grafts as physiological targets for peripheral nerve ingrowth. We report the first series of patients undergoing RPNI implantation for treatment of symptomatic postamputation neuromas.Methods:A retrospective case series of all amputees undergoing RPNI implantation for treatment of symptomatic neuromas between November 2013 and June 2015 is presented. Data were obtained via chart review and phone interviews using questions derived from the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System instruments. Statistical analyses were performed using dependent sample t tests with a significance threshold of P < 0.01.Results:Forty-six RPNIs were implanted into 16 amputees for neuroma relief (3 upper extremities and 14 lower extremities). Mean age was 53.5 years (6 females and 10 males). All patients participated in postoperative phone interviews at 7.5 ± 3.4 (range: 3–15) months. Patients reported a 71% reduction in neuroma pain and a 53% reduction in phantom pain. Most patients felt satisfied or highly satisfied with RPNI surgery (75%), reporting decreased (56%) or stable (44%) levels of analgesic use. Most patients would strongly recommend RPNI surgery to a friend (88%) and would do it again if given the option (94%). Complications included delayed wound healing (n = 4) and neuroma pain at a different site (n = 2).Conclusions:RPNI implantation carries a reasonable complication profile while offering a simple, effective treatment for symptomatic neuromas. Most patients report a significant reduction in neuroma and phantom pain with a high level of satisfaction. The physiological basis for preventing neuroma recurrence is an intriguing benefit to this approach.

Excision With Interpositional Nerve Grafting: An Alternative Technique for the Treatment of Morton Neuroma.

"Morton neuroma" is a common cause of forefoot pain with numbness frequently occurring in the distribution of the third common digital nerve. After the failure of nonoperative measures, decompression with excision of the neuroma is common practice. Residual numbness and recurrent pain has been reported as a consequence of this treatment option. This study describes excision of the neuroma with interpositional nerve grafting as a treatment option for Morton neuroma. This proposed technique has the benefit of reducing pain, reducing recurrent secondary neuromas and restoring postexcision sensory deficits. A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent elective primary excision of a Morton neuroma with interpositional nerve grafting was undertaken. Patient demographics, surgical technique, and clinical outcomes, such as pain, neuroma recurrence, 2-point discrimination, numbness, and weight-bearing status at minimum of 1 year postoperation, are reported. Eight patients (9 neuromas) underwent excision of the Morton neuroma with interpositional nerve grafting after failing nonoperative measures. At final follow-up, all patients had improvement of pain and there were no neuroma recurrences. Sensation to the grafted hemi-toe returned in all but 1 case. All patients returned to full weight-bearing status. Although no major complications were reported, wound dehiscence secondary to a hematoma occurred in 1 case. Excision and interpositional nerve grafting is an effective treatment for Morton neuroma as it alleviates pain, numbness and restores sensation with minimal morbidity and complications.

Współistnienie nerwiaka słuchowego i guza szyszynki u chorego z nagłą głuchotą

Acoustic neuroma usually presents as an unilateral tumor, seldom - bilateral and rarely in coexistence with other central nervous system neoplasms. The following paper reports such a case of a 21-year-old male patient presented with sudden deafness in left ear accompanied with tinnitus and vertigo. Symptoms started 4 weeks prior hospitalization. Their aggravation has been observed 7 days before admission to the hospital. Audiometry revealed moderate sensorineural hearing loss in left ear (for low and middle frequencies), brainstem auditory evoked potentials were absent on the left side and ENG examination showed left peripheral vestibular impairment. Initially patient received i.v. vasodilatators showing 20-25 dB improvement in low frequencies after 3 days of treatment. MRI study revealed in the left internal acoustic meatus mass (7 x 7 x 14 mm) suggesting acoustic neuroma and an oval mass (7 x 9 x 14 mm) in the pineal gland presenting radiological features of pinealoma. Patient has been qualified for neurosurgical treatment. Acoustic neuroma has been removed by suboccipital approach and pinealoma has been left for further observation as it was found incidentally. Histopathological examination confirmed diagnosis of left VIII nerve schwannoma. The left facial palsy (House-Brackmann III/IV grade) and profound hearing loss appeared after surgery. The postoperative course shows no evidence of acoustic neuroma recurrence.

Ultrasonographic diagnosis of recurrence after excision of an interdigital neuroma.

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 20 patients (21 feet) with previous interdigital neuroma resections and symptoms suggestive for, but not diagnostic of, recurrent neuroma. Sonography was performed when clinical findings supplemented by local anesthetic block did not conclusively confirm the presence of recurrent neuroma. Studies performed in 13 patients (14 feet) were positive for recurrent neuromas. Three studies were indeterminate. The remaining four studies were negative for recurrent neuroma. The ultrasound studies were performed at an average of 19.2 months (range, 2-82 months) after the resection. Nine patients with 11 previous interdigital neuromas underwent ultrasonographic examination of the forefoot and subsequent revision neuroma resection. At surgery, gross and histologic findings were consistent with recurrent neuroma in 10 of 11 cases; one patient was found to have metatarsal-phalangeal synovitis. Ultrasonography appears to be a useful means for confirming neuroma recurrence in patients with symptoms after interdigital neurectomy when the diagnosis is not clear on physical examination.

An anatomic basis for recurrence after Morton's neuroma excision.

Dissections of the common digital nerve and its branches were performed in the second and third web spaces in five fresh-frozen cadaveric feet. Plantarly directed nerve tetherings, which were histologically demonstrated to be nerve branches, were consistently present along the course of each common digital nerve. These plantarly directed nerve branches were found in highest concentration in the distal aspect of the common digital nerve proximal to the bifurcation into the proper digital branches. The presence of these nerve branches may contribute to the high incidence of Morton's neuroma recurrence either due to traumatic neuroma formation in the branches or to failure of proximal retraction of the more distally resected nerve stump.

Brain Scan as an Aid in the Diagnosis of Acoustic Neuroma Recurrence

Brain scans using 99Tcm were performed on 34 patients from whom acoustic neuroma had been removed. The age range was 19 to 66 years at the time of operation. The scans were carried out at intervals up to 13 years postoperatively. There were 4 positive. 3 doubtful, and 26 negative scans. A policy is formulated for periodic scanning as an integral part of the follow-up programme of acoustic neuroma patients.