Targeted Muscle Reinnervation-an Up-to-Date Review: Evidence, Indications, and Technique

Area of Science:

• Surgical innovation and reconstructive procedures.
• Pain management and neuroscience.
• Prosthetics and biomechanics.

Background:

• Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) was initially developed to enhance prosthetic device control after limb amputation.
• TMR has demonstrated efficacy in managing chronic pain, including phantom limb pain and residual limb pain, in amputees.
• The technique is also applicable for neurogenic pain in individuals without amputation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of current indications for TMR.
• To outline the surgical techniques associated with TMR.
• To organize information by amputation site, surgical timing, and relevant anatomy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on Targeted muscle reinnervation.
• Analysis of TMR applications in upper and lower extremity amputees.
• Categorization of TMR techniques based on anatomical and temporal factors.

Main Results:

• TMR is effective for improving prosthetic function.
• TMR successfully prevents and treats chronic postamputation pain.
• TMR offers therapeutic benefits for neurogenic pain in nonamputee patients.

Conclusions:

• Targeted muscle reinnervation is a versatile surgical approach with broad applications.
• The review consolidates current knowledge on TMR indications and surgical methodologies.
• Understanding TMR techniques is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes in amputation and pain management.