VEIN IMPLANTATION FOR TREATMENT OF PAINFUL CUTANEOUS NEUROMAS - A PRELIMINARY-REPORT

Based on the theory that recurrent neuroma formation can be prevented if the cut nerve end is implanted into the lumen of a vein, 14 patient s have been treated by neuroma excision followed by proximal vein impl antation over the last 5 years, Thirteen patients reported dramatic pa in relief following surgery, and this was sustained in all but one eas e, Both failures were re-explored, when it was found that the nerve ha d pulled out of the vein, leading to recurrent neuroma formation. Both cases were revised successfully using the same technique. With a mean follow-up of 15 months, 11 patients remain symptom-free, whilst three have minor residual symptoms which are not severe enough to require f urther surgery.