The Treatment of Painful Neuroma on the Lower Extremity by Resection and Nerve Stump Transplantation Into a Vein

Abstract

Lower extremity neuroma resection with nerve stump transposition into a vein was employed in eight patients (five male, three female). The neuromas resulted from amputations (four patients), vein stripping procedures (two patients), tumor resection, and toe-harvest for thumb reconstruction. Follow-up averaged 17 months (range, 8-37). Four of the patients experienced complete and permanent relief of pain; in three patients mild pain recurred within 3 months. All of these patients were satisfied with the result and did not request further treatment. In one case, a painful neuroma recurred. Our results suggest the possibility of inhibiting the formation of painful neuromas by nerve transposition into a vein. Further use of this method is encouraged.