The management of neuropathic pain from neuromas in the upper limb: surgical techniques and future directions

Abstract

Neuropathic pain of the upper limb results from damage or disease of the upper limb somatosensory system caused by wide range of pathologies including peripheral neuromas. Treatment strategies depend on making an accurate diagnosis, recognizing co-existing pathologies, and formulating an individualized treatment plan that commonly involves multiple modalities. A long list of nonsurgical and surgical methods acting peripherally (neuromodulation, nerve blocks, surgical manipulation of the nerve) and centrally (medications, spinal cord, and deep brain stimulation) has been described and it is clear that no one treatment is wholly reliable. In this article, we briefly review the pathophysiology of pain caused by neuromas, the current treatment options and the latest research in therapeutic developments.

Keywords

Nerve / neuroma / neuromodulation / pain / relocation

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