Neuromas cause severe residual problems at long-term despite surgery.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Neurosurgery
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Neuromas, often resulting from nerve injury or surgery, can cause significant pain and functional deficits.
• Patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs) are crucial for evaluating the long-term impact of surgical interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate residual pain and disabilities following neuroma surgery using validated PROMs.
• To identify factors associated with limitations in daily activities and overall quality of life post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 69 individuals who underwent neuroma surgery were assessed using the QuickDASH and Hand Questionnaire (HQ-8).
• Data collected included pain levels, functional limitations, cold sensitivity, and sleep disturbances.
• Correlation and regression analyses were used to examine relationships between symptoms, disabilities, and follow-up time.

Main Results:

• A high proportion of patients reported significant pain, cold sensitivity, and difficulties with daily activities and sleep, indicated by high QuickDASH scores.
• Impaired daily activity performance and sleep problems were strongly associated with increased pain, stiffness, weakness, numbness, and cold sensitivity.
• Major nerve injury was common in individuals experiencing limitations during work or daily activities.

Conclusions:

• Neuroma surgery frequently leads to residual symptoms and disabilities affecting daily function and sleep, with limited long-term improvement.
• Pain, cold sensitivity, sleep disturbances, and functional limitations are key issues impacting patients post-neuroma surgery.
• Current surgical approaches may not fully resolve the long-term consequences of neuromas.