Intrinsic muscle flaps: the treatment of painful neuromas in continuity

Treatment of the pain that is caused by neuroma in continuity in a digital nerve on the palmar surface of the hand is a challenging problem. Eight digital nerves were covered with intrinsic muscle flaps after neurolysis to obtain relief of symptoms in eight patients. Four of the cases involved intrinsic muscles for digital nerves in the thumb. Four patients had digital nerves in the palm covered by lumbrical muscle flaps, two of which were distally based. All patients had significant relief of their symptoms. This report describes the techniques used and their application.