Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2025
Surgery and Behavioral Testing in the Tibial Neuroma Transposition Model in Rats
Published on: January 6, 2023
Frequency and Localization of Neuromas in Transtibial Residual Limbs
Camille Fournier-Farley1, Mathieu Boudier-Revéret2, Dany H Gagnon3
1Centre for Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Research of Greater Montreal (CRIR) - IURDPM Université de Montréal, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux (CIUSSS) du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Program, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
Objective:
To describe the frequency and localization of neuromas in residual limbs of individuals with transtibial amputation using ultrasound imaging.
Design:
Cross-sectional study.
Setting:
Rehabilitation center research laboratory.
Participants:
Adults who have lived with a transtibial amputation for >12 months were recruited for this study. Participants were included regardless of the presence or absence of residual limb neuropathic pain. Twenty-three participants (24 transtibial residual limbs) with and without residual limb neuropathic pain were enrolled. The etiology of amputation of most participants was peripheral vascular disease and diabetes.
Intervention:
A comprehensive history was collected and a musculoskeletal ultrasound assessment for the presence and location of neuromas in their residual limb was conducted. During the ultrasound evaluation, a sonopalpation Tinel test was performed by applying pressure on each neuroma with the probe.
Main Outcome Measures:
Number of neuromas and their localization in each residual limb examined.
Results:
A total of 31 neuromas in the 24 transtibial residual limbs were identified by ultrasound imaging. The average number of neuromas per residual limb was 1.3. All the major peripheral nerves studied could present neuromas, with a predominance of the superficial fibular nerve within our sample. Thirty-five percent of all the neuromas were described as painful.
Conclusions:
The presence of terminal neuromas on surgically sectioned nerves in transtibial residual limbs is frequent. Seventy-nine percent of participants had at least one neuroma. Ultrasound imaging is clinically useful to identify neuromas. The evaluator can easily communicate with the patient to diagnose symptomatic neuromas.
