The Incidence of Painful Neuroma After Digital Amputation Due to Trauma Versus Chronic Ischemia

Abstract

Background:

Finger amputation is one of the most common surgical procedures conducted by hand surgeons. The purpose of the current study was to compare the incidence of painful neuromas requiring surgical interventions after finger amputation secondary to acute trauma versus chronic digital ischemia.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was conducted at a single tertiary academic medical center. Patients who underwent finger amputation due to acute trauma or chronic ischemia were identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes. The primary outcome was the incidence of neuroma formation. Patient demographics, treatment types, and postoperative complications, such as infection, residual pain, and phantom limb, were also collected.

Results:

Between January 2013 and December 2023, there were 1150 patients who underwent finger or thumb amputations, 917 due to acute trauma and 233 associated with chronic ischemia. Men were more likely involved in traumatic amputations. Raynaud’s disease, scleroderma, and end-stage renal disease were the common causes for ischemic finger amputation. No significant difference was found between the 2 groups in postamputation complications. Thirty-eight in the traumatic group (4.1%) and 4 in the chronic ischemia group (1.7%) developed painful neuroma requiring surgical intervention. However, the difference was not statistically significant (P = .09).

Conclusions:

The overall incidence of painful stump neuroma after digital amputation was low. While there was a stronger tendency in developing painful neuromas after finger amputation due to trauma compared with chronic ischemia, the difference was not statistically significant.