Symptomatic Neuromas Research Articles

Traditional Neuroma Management.

With the development of newer techniques for symptomatic neuroma treatment, such asregenerative peripheral nerve interface and targeted muscle reinnervation, transposition and coverage techniques often have been referred to as "passive techniques." In spite of its negative connotation, these passive techniques yield positive results in a majority of patients treated. The experienced surgeon has more options than ever before in the prevention and management of problematic neuromas. Critical appraisal of the current literature reveals no single, optimal standard of care. Instead, surgeons have a plethora of useful techniques that can be implemented on a case-by-case basis to optimize outcomes.

Long-Term Opioid Use Following Surgery for Symptomatic Neuroma.

Identifying patients at risk for prolonged opioid use following surgery for symptomatic neuroma would be beneficial for perioperative management. The aim of this study is to identify the factors associated with postoperative opioid use of >4 weeks in patients undergoing neuroma surgery. After retrospective identification, 77 patients who underwent surgery for symptomatic neuroma of the upper or lower extremity were enrolled. Patients completed the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) depression, Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain score, and a custom medication questionnaire at a median of 9.7 years (range: 2.5-16.8 years) following surgery. Neuroma excision followed by nerve implantation (n = 39, 51%), nerve reconstruction/repair (n = 18, 23%), and excision alone (n = 16, 21%) were the most common surgical treatments. Overall, 27% (n = 21) of patients reported opioid use of more than 4 weeks postoperatively. Twenty-three patients (30%) reported preoperative opioid use of which 11 (48%) did not report opioid use for >4 weeks, postoperatively. In multivariable logistic regression, preoperative opioid use was independently associated with opioid use of >4 weeks, postoperatively (odds ratio [OR] = 4.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.36-14.3, p = 0.013). Neuroma surgery reduces opioid use in many patients but patients who are taking opioids preoperatively are at risk for longer opioid use. Almost one-third of patients reported opioid use longer than 4 weeks, postoperatively.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on the Incidence of Patients With Lower-Limb Amputations Who Developed Symptomatic Neuromata in the Residual Limb.

Neuromata developed after major extremity amputation can cause pain, limit the use of prosthetics, and negatively affect the quality of life. The frequency of postamputation neuroma varies widely. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of patients who developed symptomatic neuromata after lower-limb amputation through a systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic review of the literature was performed on 4 major databases. Studies that reported the incidence of symptomatic neuroma in lower-limb amputees were included. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate the pooled incidence of neuromata. Thirteen studies consisting of 1329 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The reported incidence of patients who developed symptomatic neuromata ranged between 4% and 49%. The median duration of follow-up was 8.6 years (interquartile range, 2.0-17.4 years). The pooled percentage (95% confidence interval [CI]) of lower-limb amputees who developed symptomatic neuromata was 19% (12%-29%). In studies with a duration of follow-up at least 3 years, the pooled percentage (95% CI) of lower-limb amputees who developed symptomatic neuromata was 30% (22%-40%). In studies with a follow-up period of fewer than 3 years, the pooled percentage (95% CI) of neuroma incidence was 3% (2%-6%). In summary, the overall incidence of patients who developed symptomatic neuromata was 19% or approximately 1 in 5 lower-limb amputees. Symptomatic neuromata are more commonly diagnosed when the follow-up period is longer than 3 years. These findings suggest that neuroma after amputation might be underestimated in studies with a short duration of follow-up.

Targeted Muscle Reinnervation in the Hand: A Technical Roadmap

Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) transfers cut the nerve endings to the motor nerves of the nearby muscles to reduce neuroma pain and/or enhance prosthetic function. To guide surgeons, anatomic "roadmaps" describe nerve transfer options for TMR at various locations. This study aimed to landmark and measure motor entry points (MEPs) to the hand interossei muscles in the context of TMR for digital nerve neuroma management. Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric hands were dissected to describe the innervation arising from the deep branch of the ulnar nerve to the dorsal interossei (DIs) and palmar interossei (PIs) muscles. The location of MEPs relative to the bone and soft tissue landmarks and the size of the target nerves were measured. The MEPs for the DIs and PIs were found in the central third of the metacarpal. The MEPs to the PIs averaged 23.3-24.7 mm from the median nerve. The length of nerve proximal to the MEP was limited, ranging between 6.5 ± 2.6 mm for the first PI and 10.5 ± 2.7 mm for the second PI. Similarly, minimal nerve proximal to the MEP of the DI was available for mobilization. Access to the first PI innervation required substantial release of the thenar musculature. Motor nerve diameter averaged 0.85-0.97 mm. In considering TMR for the management or prevention of digital nerve neuromas, the motor branches to the second and third PIs are the most accessible and best approached volarly, whereas motor branches to the DIs take more direct routes into the muscle, making volar exposure difficult. Nerve length proximal to the MEP is short, requiring that most of the nerve length for neurorrhaphy comes from the digital nerve. Size mismatch at the neurorrhaphy site is favorable compared to more proximal TMR. Targeted muscle reinnervation in the hand is technically feasible for a patient with a symptomatic neuroma after digital amputation.

MRI features of symptomatic amputation neuromas.

To demonstrate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of amputation neuromas in lower extremity amputees and investigate independent predictive MRI features for symptomatic neuromas. This retrospective study included 45 amputation neuromas in 44 lower extremity amputees. Two radiologists assessed the imaging features, including shape, size, type (end-bulb or spindle), signal intensity (SI), heterogeneity, margins, enlarged fascicles, dark outer rim, tail sign, target sign, enhancement, perilesional fibrosis, and muscle denervation. The neuromas were categorized into symptomatic (n = 24) or asymptomatic (n = 21). Symptomatic neuromas were determined based on neuropathic pain characteristics, the presence of Tinel's sign or tenderness, and response to local anesthetic injection. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent predictive MRI features. Of 45 neuromas, 80% (36/45) were end-bulb neuromas and 20% (9/45) were spindle-type neuromas. Eighty percent of the neuromas (36/45) were heterogeneous on T2-weighted images (WIs). Enlarged fascicles were present in 42% (19/45) and dark outer rims in 27% (12/45) of the neuromas. Among the 23 neuromas with enhanced images, 78% (18/23) showed enhancement. Heterogeneity on T2-WIs and enhancement ratios were significantly different between the asymptomatic and symptomatic neuroma groups (p < 0.05). The multivariate analyses indicated that heterogeneity on T2-WIs was an independent factor associated with symptomatic neuromas (p < 0.001). Heterogeneity on T2-WIs could be a predictive indicator for symptomatic neuromas in lower extremity amputees. • Amputation neuromas are classified as either end-bulb or spindle-type. They can show enlarged fascicles, dark outer rims, and enhancement. • Heterogeneity on T2-weighted images could be a predictive indicator for symptomatic neuromas. • Predicting the symptomatic neuroma on MRI would help in effective management of stump pain.

Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interfaces for Advanced Prosthetic Control and Mitigation of Postamputation Pain

While recent advances have occurred in the field of prosthetic technology, there is still a need for a neuroprosthetic interface that permits high-fidelity prosthetic control to accurately replicate extremity movements. Peripheral nerve interfaces offer more intuitive prosthetic control by harnessing neural signals at a fascicular level. The direct application of electrodes to peripheral nerves is limited by device encapsulation, micromotion, and inevitable neural damage. To overcome these challenges, the regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI) has been developed as a promising solution to enhance prosthetic control. During RPNI surgery, the end of a transected peripheral nerve is implanted into an autologous free skeletal muscle graft. The RPNI has demonstrated feasibility in transducing peripheral nerve signals from patients with upper limb amputations to control an artificial hand. In addition, by leveraging the physiological processes of nerve regeneration, muscle regeneration, and reinnervation, RPNIs have been shown to reduce postamputation pain, including neuroma pain and phantom limb pain. It can be used as a treatment for symptomatic neuromas or performed prophylactically at the time of limb amputation to reduce or eliminate postamputation pain. RPNI surgery is a safe, reliable, and reproducible technique that can be easily adopted across a variety of surgical specialties. This article describes the development, validation, and clinical application of the RPNI and discusses the surgical technique.

Practice Patterns and Pain Outcomes for Targeted Muscle Reinnervation

Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) and regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI) procedures have been shown to improve patient-reported outcomes for the treatment of symptomatic neuromas after amputation; however, the specific indications and comparative outcomes of each are unclear. The primary research questions were what complement of nerves most frequently requires secondary pain intervention after conventional amputation, whether this information can guide the focused application of TMR and RPNI to the primary amputation setting, and how the outcomes compare in both settings. We performed a retrospective review of records for patients who had undergone lower-extremity TMR and/or RPNI at our institution. Eighty-seven procedures were performed: 59 for the secondary treatment of symptomatic neuroma pain after amputation and 28 for primary prophylaxis during amputation. We reviewed records for the amputation level, TMR and/or RPNI timing, pain scores, patient-reported resolution of nerve-related symptoms, and complications or revisions. We evaluated the relationship between the amputation level and the frequency with which each transected nerve required neurologic intervention for pain symptoms. The mean pain score decreased after delayed TMR or RPNI procedures from 4.3 points to 1.7 points (p < 0.001), and the mean final pain score (and standard deviation) was 1.0 ± 1.9 points at the time of follow-up for acute procedures. Symptom resolution was achieved in 92% of patients. The sciatic nerve most commonly required intervention for symptomatic neuroma above the knee, and the tibial nerve and common or superficial peroneal nerve were most problematic following transtibial amputation. None of our patients required a revision pain treatment procedure after primary TMR targeting these commonly symptomatic nerves. Failure to address the tibial nerve during a delayed procedure was associated with an increased risk of unsuccessful TMR, resulting in a revision surgical procedure (odds ratio, 26 [95% confidence interval, 1.8 to 368]; p = 0.02). There is a consistent pattern of symptomatic nerves that require secondary surgical intervention for the management of pain after amputation. TMR and RPNI were translated to the primary amputation setting by using this predictable pattern to devise a surgical strategy that prevents symptomatic neuroma pain. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Targeted Muscle Reinnervation to Expendable Motor Nerves for the Treatment of Refractory Symptomatic Neuromas in Nonamputees.

Summary:Symptomatic neuromas can cause debilitating pain, significantly impairing patients’ quality of life. There are numerous medical and surgical options for management. Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) is a nerve transfer procedure that is now commonly used to prevent or treat symptomatic neuromas or phantom limb pain in amputees. There are a few reports in the current literature about performing TMR in the nonamputee, but no cohort studies to date that report pain outcomes. This study evaluates TMR to treat symptomatic neuromas in nonamputee patients. This is a retrospective cohort study of all patients with symptomatic neuromas treated with TMR over a 1-year period from January 1,2019, to January 1, 2020, at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. The neuromas are excised to healthy nerve fascicles, and a redundant donor motor fascicle is selected for nerve transfer. Patients were asked in clinic or via telephone about their preoperative and postoperative pain, function, and quality of life, and postoperative clinic notes were reviewed for complications and motor deficits. Fifteen patients were included in this study. Patients had symptomatic neuromas involving the upper extremity, lower extremity, and trunk. Pain frequency decreased from 6.7 times per week to 3.9 (P < 0.01) and from 9.1 times per day to 5.1 (P < 0.01). Pain severity decreased from an average of 7.9/10 to 4.3/10 (P < 0.01). Overall physical function increased from 3.7/10 to 5.8/10 (P = 0.01), and overall quality of life increased from 4.9/10 to 7.0/10 (P < 0.01). No patients had demonstrable weakness of the motor function of the donor nerve. Targeted muscle reinnervation is a viable surgical option for the treatment of symptomatic neuromas, particularly in those patients who have previously failed prior neuroma excisions.

The Role of Internal Nerve Splinting on the Repair of Peripheral Nerve Injury

Background: Neuropathic pain, produced by symptomatic neuromas, is an important problem following peripheral nerve injury. Anastomosing the stump nerves end-to-end for peripheral nerve injury is a well-established but can’t avoid neuroma in-continuity forming efficiently. Methods: Seventy-two rats were randomly divided into four groups: rats with anastomosis sites supported by silicone tubes represented the internal nerve splinting (INS, n = 18) group, rats with simple anastomosis represented the control group I (CON 1, n = 18), and rats with the same silicone tube beside the anastomosis site represented the control group II (CON 2, n = 18), and rats with the same surgical procedures for skin and muscle operations, but without sciatic nerve injury (Norm, n = 18). Gross evaluation of anastomosis sites, gastrocnemius muscle atrophy, axonal regeneration and remyelination, neuropathic pain and scar hyperplasia of neuromas, as well as motor function evaluation, were assessed and compared among all groups. Findings: The results of the INS were similar to the CON 1, and both of these groups were better than CON 2 with respect to axonal regeneration, remyelination and gastrocnemius muscle atrophy. However, in INS, neuropathic pain and scar hyperplasia, evaluated by the expression of anti-sigma-1 receptor antibodies and anti-α-smooth muscle actin, respectively, as well as the weight ratios of neuromas, were reduced compared to those in CON 1 or CON 2. Interpretation: Application of an internal nerve splint in nerve repair effectively prevented traumatic in-continuity neuromas forming and inhibited neuropathic pain while with no influence on nerve regeneration in rats. Funding Statement: This study was supported by Wenzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau (grant numbers Y2020040) and National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant numbers 81571185). Declaration of Interests: The authors have declared no conflict of interest. Ethics Approval Statement: All experiments involving animals were conducted according to the ethical policies and procedures approved by the animal care committee of Wenzhou Medical University, China (Approval: wydw2019-0954).

Prevalence of residual limb pain and symptomatic neuromas after lower extremity amputation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Residual limb pain (RLP) is associated with (partial) extremity amputations and is defined as pain felt in the remaining part of the amputated limb. A common cause of RLP is neuroma formation after nerve transections. Neuromas can be very painful and severely debilitating pathologies, preventing prosthetic use, reducing quality of life, and requiring medication. Residual limb pain and symptomatic neuromas are often not properly recognized by physicians explaining the varying prevalence in the literature. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to provide a comprehensive overview of published literature on the prevalence of RLP and symptomatic neuroma after lower extremity amputation. Studies reporting the prevalence of RLP and symptomatic neuroma pain in patients who have had a lower extremity amputation published between 2000 and 2020 were identified in PubMed and Embase. Random-effects meta-analyses of proportions were performed to quantify the prevalence of RLP and symptomatic neuroma. Subgroups were identified and analysed. For RLP, the pooled prevalence was 59% (95% CI: 51-67). For symptomatic neuromas, the pooled prevalence was 15% (95% CI: 7-28). Residual limb pain subgroup analysis showed statistically significant higher prevalence in patients aged >50 years, follow-up >2 years, and in studies using a self-administered questionnaire for data collection. The prevalence of RLP and symptomatic neuroma in patients who have had a lower extremity amputation is 59% and 15%, respectively. Knowledge of their high prevalence may result in better awareness among physicians, in turn providing timely and adequate management.

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.

Dorsal Coaptation for the Treatment of Digital Neuroma

The formation of a symptomatic neuroma after digital tip amputation presents a vexing problem. There is currently no procedure that completely and consistently prevents hypersensitive neuroma formation. This report presents the results of a technique designed to limit axon regeneration and mechanical irritation by neuroma excision, dorsal transposition, and coaptation with the corresponding digital nerve. A retrospective chart review was conducted to assess the effectiveness of neuroma excision with dorsal transposition and epineurial coaptation for postamputation symptomatic digital neuromas. Neuromas were excised using a midlateral fish-mouth incision. Digital nerves were mobilized to the dorsum of the digital tip and coapted using 9-0 nylon epineurial suture. The procedure was modified to salvage viable fingernails or to avoid excessive tension. Mass etal's criteria system was used to evaluate effectiveness. Twenty-four patients with painful neuromas of the radial and ulnar digital nerves after traumatic amputation were included. Thirty-two digits underwent dorsal coaptation. This procedure was associated with a result considered good or excellent in 28 of 32 digits. Twenty-seven of 32 digits registered no pain or stump anesthesia after dorsal coaptation. Twenty-five of 32 digits demonstrated no interference with activities of daily living. Twenty-one of 24 patients returned to work. Neuroma excision with dorsal transposition and epineurial coaptation is an effective treatment for postamputation symptomatic digital neuroma. Therapeutic IV.

Targeted Muscle Reinnervation as a Solution for Nerve Pain.

After reading this article, the participants should be able to: 1. List current nonsurgical and surgical strategies for addressing postamputation neuroma pain and discuss their limitations. 2. Summarize the indications and rationale for targeted muscle reinnervation. 3. Develop an operative plan for targeted muscle reinnervation in an acute or delayed fashion for upper and lower extremity amputations. 4. Propose a management algorithm for treatment of symptomatic neuromas in an intact limb. 5. Discuss the risk of neuroma development after primary revision digital amputation or secondary surgery for a digital neuroma. 6. Compare and contrast targeted muscle reinnervation to the historical gold standard neuroma treatment of excision and burying the involved nerve in muscle, bone, or vein graft. 7. Interpret and discuss the evidence that targeted muscle reinnervation improves postamputation neuroma and phantom pain when performed either acutely or in a delayed fashion to treat existing pain. Symptomatic injured nerves resulting from amputations, extremity trauma, or prior surgery are common and can decrease patient quality of life, thus necessitating an effective strategy for management. Targeted muscle reinnervation is a modern surgical strategy for prevention and treatment of neuroma pain that promotes nerve regeneration and healing rather than neuroma formation. Targeted muscle reinnervation involves the transfer of cut peripheral nerves to small motor nerves of adjacent, newly denervated segments of muscle and can be easily performed without specialized equipment. Targeted muscle reinnervation strategies exist for both upper and lower extremity amputations and for symptomatic neuromas of intact limbs. Targeted muscle reinnervation has been shown in a prospective, randomized, controlled trial to result in lower neuroma and phantom pain when compared to the historical gold standard of burying cut nerves in muscle.

Risk Factors for Neuropathic Pain Following Major Upper Extremity Amputation.

Active treatment (targeted muscle reinnervation [TMR] or regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces [RPNIs]) of the amputated nerve ends has gained momentum to mitigate neuropathic pain following amputation. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the predictors for the development of neuropathic pain after major upper extremity amputation. Retrospectively, 142 adult patients who underwent 148 amputations of the upper extremity between 2000 and 2019 were identified through medical chart review. All upper extremity amputations proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joints were included. Patients with a follow-up of less than 6 months and those who underwent TMR or RPNI at the time of amputation were excluded. Neuropathic pain was defined as phantom limb pain or a symptomatic neuroma reported in the medical charts at 6 months postoperatively. Most common indications for amputation were oncology (n = 53, 37%) and trauma (n = 45, 32%), with transhumeral amputations (n = 44, 30%) and shoulder amputations (n = 37, 25%) being the most prevalent. Neuropathic pain occurred in 42% of patients, of which 48 (32%) had phantom limb pain, 8 (5.4%) had a symptomatic neuroma, and 6 (4.1%) had a combination of both. In multivariable analysis, traumatic amputations (odds ratio [OR]: 4.1, p = 0.015), transhumeral amputations (OR: 3.9, p = 0.024), and forequarter amputations (OR: 8.4, p = 0.003) were independently associated with the development of neuropathic pain. In patients with an upper extremity amputation proximal to the elbow or for trauma, there is an increased risk of developing neuropathic pain. In these patients, primary TMR/RPNI should be considered and this warrants a multidisciplinary approach involving general trauma surgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, plastic surgeons, and vascular surgeons.

Arthroscopic Tibiotalar Arthrodesis versus Open Arthrodesis with Anterior Locking Plate: A Retrospective Case Series

Category:Ankle; Ankle Arthritis; ArthroscopyIntroduction/Purpose:Tibiotalar arthrodesis is a common procedure for the treatment of ankle arthritis. Arthroscopic arthrodesis with screw fixation has become increasingly popular with reported shorter hospital stays, shorter time to fusion, and equivalent patient reported outcomes to open arthrodesis with screw fixation. However, there is limited research comparing arthroscopic arthrodesis to open arthrodesis with a modern anterior locking plate. The aim of this study was to determine if the use of a modern anterior locking plate in primary ankle arthrodesis would have a similar time to fusion versus arthroscopic arthrodesis with screw fixation.Methods:We performed a retrospective case review of primary ankle arthrodesis cases from 2009 to 2018 that utilized either an open approach with an anterior locking plate or an arthroscopic approach with screw fixation. All open cases were performed by a single surgeon using an anterior locking plate; all arthroscopic cases were performed by another surgeon using cannulated screw fixation. Post-operative protocol was similar for both patient groups, with at least 6 weeks of casting and protected weight- bearing followed by a transition to removable cast-boot and progressive weight-bearing. Exclusion criteria included combined tibiotalar/subtalar arthrodesis, hindfoot arthrodesis, cases where infection was suspected pre-operatively, and revision arthrodesis for any reason (IE, infection, failed total ankle arthroplasty, prior nonunion). Time to fusion was based on evaluation of post- operative radiographs performed at six and ten weeks.Results:28 open and 25 arthroscopic arthrodesis cases met inclusion criteria. The fusion rate at six weeks was 82.1% (open) versus 72% (arthroscopic). At ten weeks the fusion rate was 100% (open) versus 91% (arthroscopic). 4/28 open arthrodesis cases experienced continued pain versus 8/25 arthroscopic. For the open procedure, one patient required reoperation for skin grafting away from the incision due to a poor-fitting workboot. Two patients had removal of painful hardware; one of these patients required a second reoperation for symptomatic neuroma resection. For arthroscopic cases, two patients had removal of hardware and one patient had an elective below-knee amputation for intractable pain. Average patient age was 53.3 years (open) versus 48.4 (arthroscopic). Average length of hospital admission was 2.3 days (open) versus 0.9 (arthroscopic).Conclusion:Open tibiotalar arthrodesis with a modern anterior locking plate resulted in faster time to radiographic fusion and a lower incidence of continued pain compared to arthroscopic arthrodesis in this study. The faster time to fusion may be due to the superior biomechanical stability of a locking construct. Arthroscopic arthrodesis resulted in shorter hospital admissions, and neither group had any incision-related complications. In this case series, open and arthroscopic fusion had comparable outcomes.

Surgical Treatment of Symptomatic Neuromas After Lower Limb Amputations

Summary. The pain after amputations is a global problem of modern medicine. There are three distinct clinical entities that can form the postamputation pain: phantom limb pain (PLP), phantom sensations (PSs), and residual limb pain (RLP). PLP and PSs are pathophysiological phenomena, which need complex conservative treatment. RLP is a local condition that arises from neuroma, excessive scarring, osteophites, etc. and can be resolved by surgery. Objective: to analyze the results of surgical treatment of patients with symptomatic neuromas after lower limb amputations (LLA). Materials and Methods. The study included 43 patients with symptomatic neuromas 3–10 years after LLA. There were 40 male and 3 female patients (mean age 33.9±3 years). Amputations were caused by trauma (33 cases), mine-blast injury (7 cases), diabetes (1 case), and oncology (2 cases). The level of amputation was thigh (3 cases), knee (1 case), and ankle (39 cases). The pain intensity was measured by the VAS (Visually Analog Scale) and prosthesis using by the ALAC (Artificial Limb and Appliance Centre, USA) scale. Results. RLP had 43 patients (100%), PLP – 8 (8.6%), and PSs – 35 (81.4%) patients. The average level of pain was 7.4±0.9. Prosthesis was used in 74.4% (32 patients), but 11 of them used prosthesis for cosmetic or transportation reasons (levels I and II by the ALAC scale). Complications after surgery were presented by hematoma (3 cases), marginal skin necrosis (2 cases), and tearing of m. gastrocnemius from the tibia after the fall on the stump (1 case). The results were assessed in 35 patients in terms from 1 to 15 years. The pain severity decreased from 7.4±0.9 to 3.2±0.6 (p˂0.05; two-sample t-test). The number of RLP cases decreased to 11 (31.4%), but the number of PLP and PSs cases did not significantly change (PLP – 5 cases or 14.3%; PSs – 27 cases or 77.1%). The prosthesis using rised to 100% due to functionality (III–VI levels by the ALAC scale). Conclusions. Surgical method is the main treatment of symptomatic neuromas after LLA. The surgery must expect proximal neurotomy and, if need, reamputation and stump reconstruction. This approach helps to reduce pain and improves the functional ability of persons with LLA.

Targeted Muscle Reinnervation in the Hand: An Anatomical Feasibility Study for Neuroma Treatment and Prevention

Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) has emerged as a treatment for, and prevention of, symptomatic neuromas and has been reported to be of benefit in the hand. Anatomical studies establishing landmarks for consistent identification of the motor entry points (MEPs) to the intrinsic muscles have not been performed. The purpose of this study was to provide details regarding the MEPs to the intrinsic muscles, determine which MEPs are identifiable dorsally, and develop recommended sensory to MEP nerve coaptations for prophylactic TMR at the time of ray amputation or for management of symptomatic neuromas. Motor entry points to the intrinsic hand muscles were dissected in 5 fresh latex-injected cadavers. Number of MEPs, diameter, surface of entry, and distance from dorsal (Lister tubercle) and volar (hamate hook) landmarks were recorded for each target muscle. The digital sensory nerve diameters were measured for size comparison. Motor entry points were identified to all 19 intrinsic muscles through a volar approach and 12 through a dorsal approach. For all fingers, at least 2 MEPs were consistently identified dorsally at the base of each amputation site innervating expendable muscles. Motor entry points to the thenar muscles were only reliably identified through a volar approach. Two recommended nerve coaptations for each digit amputation were identified. All had a favorable sensory-to-MEP diameter ratio less than 2:1. The intrinsic hand muscles have MEPs at consistent distances from bony landmarks both dorsally and volarly. These results can be applied clinically to assist surgeons in identifying the locations of MEPs to the intrinsic muscles when performing TMR in the hand for both neuroma treatment and prevention.

Targeted Muscle Reinnervation for Symptomatic Neuromas Utilizing the Terminal Anterior Interosseous Nerve.

Summary:Sensory nerve trauma at the level of the wrist can lead to debilitating neuromas. Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) is an effective therapy for the treatment of neuromas. Here we propose the use of the terminal anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) as a viable recipient for TMR. All superficial sensory nerves around the wrist, including the dorsal ulnar sensory nerve, the distal lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve, the distal branches of the superficial branch of the radial nerve, and the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve were dissected in 2 cadaver specimens. The AIN branch to pronator quadratus was divided just distal to the final branch of flexor pollicis longus to preserve adequate length for TMR. The sensory nerves at the wrist were fully dissected to identify a viable location for coaptation to the AIN. After the cadaveric concept was demonstrated, the technique was successfully used in a clinical case. In summary, the distal AIN is a versatile recipient for TMR as a treatment of painful sensory neuromas at the level of the wrist, with minimal donor-site morbidity.

Novel Approaches to Reduce Symptomatic Neuroma Pain After Limb Amputation

A considerable number of major limb amputation patients will develop symptomatic neuromas within the residual limb. There has been a paradigm shift in the surgical treatment of symptomatic neuromas from techniques that attempt to interrupt axonal regeneration in favor of techniques that permit reinnervation. In addition, growing evidence suggests that successful treatment of peripheral nerve pain may diminish the development of phantom limb pain. We discuss novel surgical techniques that seek to prevent neuroma formation and in turn reduce phantom limb pain. Targeted muscle reinnervation and regenerative peripheral nerve interface surgery provide regenerating peripheral nerves denervated targets for reinnervation thus reducing the number of free axons available to form neuromas. While very different in technique, both approaches decrease the formation of symptomatic neuromas. In doing so, these methods reduce the experience of residual limb pain and phantom limb pain. Implementation of innovative surgical techniques after peripheral nerve transection can transform the management of postamputation pain. Decreasing the impact of neuroma pain and phantom limb pain will facilitate prosthetic rehabilitation, decrease analgesic use, and improve quality of life after limb amputation.

Targeted Muscle Reinnervation for Partial Hand Amputation

Background:Targeted muscle reinnervation for the treatment of symptomatic neuromas after upper limb amputation has been described for shoulder disarticulation and for transhumeral and transradial amputations. Early clinical outcomes are promising and demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in phantom limb pain and a decrease in residual limb pain.Methods:We performed a cadaver dissection of the motor branches arising from the median and ulnar nerves to assess whether this technique could be applied to symptomatic neuromas after partial hand and finger amputations.Results:After identification of all branches under 4.5x loupe magnification, we performed simulated transfers of digital nerves to lumbrical motor branches, common digital nerves to lumbrical motor branches or the recurrent motor branch, and the common sensory portion of the ulnar nerve to a hypothenar motor branch.Conclusions:The proximity of all sensory nerves to motor branches and the numerous redundant motor nerve targets available support our hypothesis that targeted muscle reinnervation is possible after partial hand or finger amputation. Further studies will be required to refine clinical indications and evaluate outcomes.