A consecutive series of targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) cases for relief of neuroma and phantom limb pain: UK perspective

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader A consecutive series of targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) cases for relief of neuroma and phantom limb pain: UK perspective Via Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2021 Oct 22:S1748-6815(21)00511-8. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2021.09.068. Online ahead of print. ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Studies have suggested that targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) can improve symptoms of neuroma pain (NP) and phantom limb pain (PLP) in patients. OBJECTIVES: Our primary objective was to measure changes in NP and PLP levels following TMR surgery at 4-time points (baseline, 3, 6- and 12-months postoperatively). Secondary aims included identification of the character and rate of any surgical complications and patients' satisfaction with TMR. METHODS: A retrospective review of outcomes of 36 patients who underwent TMR surgery to treat intractable NP and/or PLP after major amputation of an upper (UL) or lower limb (LL) at a single centre in London, UK over 7 years. The surgical techniques, complications, and satisfaction with TMR are described. RESULTS: Forty TMR procedures were p erformed on 36 patients. Thirty patients had complete data for NP and PLP levels at all pre-defined time points. Significant improvements (p<0.01) in both types of pain were observed for both upper and LL amputees. However, there were varying patterns of recovery. For example, UL amputees experienced worsening of PLP in the first few months post-operatively whereas surgical complications were more common in LL cases. Patients were overwhelmingly satisfied with the improvements in their symptoms (90%). CONCLUSIONS: TMR surgery appeared to relieve both NP and PLP although the retrospective nature of this study limits the strength of this conclusion. However, complication rates were high, and it is crucial for surgeons and patients to fully understand the course and outcomes of this novel surgery prior to undertaking treatment. PMID:34840118 | DOI:10.1016/j.bjps.2021.09.068 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.