Improving neuroma pain outcomes with regenerative peripheral nerve interface surgery

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Created On: 17/07/2026

Neuroma pain is a common and debilitating consequence of peripheral nerve injury that can hamper function and quality of life.

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Key take away

Regenerative peripheral nerve interface surgery is emerging as a promising strategy for reducing neuroma pain and restoring QoL following upper limb nerve injury.

Background

Neuroma pain is a common and debilitating consequence of peripheral nerve injury that can hamper function and quality of life. Regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI) surgery is an emerging surgical technique designed to prevent painful neuroma formation by wrapping freshly divided nerve endings with non-vascularized muscle grafts, allowing regenerating axons to establish functional targets. This study evaluated the impact of RPNI on pain outcomes, health-related quality of life (QoL), pain characteristics, and patient satisfaction in individuals with upper limb neuroma pain.

Method

Researchers performed a retrospective cohort study involving 11 patients who underwent RPNI surgery. Pain severity was assessed using an 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS, 0–10), while pain characteristics were evaluated using standardized pain intensity and pain interference assessment forms. Patient satisfaction was checked via a 5-point Likert scale. Outcomes before and after surgery were compared.

Result

Eleven patients completed follow-up assessments after undergoing RPNI surgery, with the cohort comprising predominantly female participants, a mean age of 51.9 ± 12.7 years, and a median follow-up duration of 12 months. The analysis subsequently demonstrated noticeable improvements across multiple pain-related outcomes (Table 1).

Health-related QoL measures also showed improvement following surgery. Phantom pain was the only outcome that did not demonstrate a statistically significant improvement.

Conclusion

The study reinforced the potential of regenerative nerve reconstruction to shift the treatment paradigm for neuroma pain, transforming a historically difficult-to-manage condition into one with measurable improvements in comfort, function, and daily living.