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Pain relief after nerve resection for post-traumatic neuralgia
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sapporo Medical University, Japan.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British Volume
|June 10, 1998
Summary
Surgical resection of injured peripheral nerves effectively relieved post-traumatic neuralgia pain in 20 patients. This nerve surgery significantly reduced or eliminated burning pain, paresthesia, and dysesthesia, offering a viable treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Management
- Surgical Procedures
Background:
- Post-traumatic neuralgia is a debilitating condition often resistant to conservative treatments.
- Patients experience persistent burning pain, paresthesia, and dysesthesia due to peripheral nerve injury.
Observation:
- Twenty patients with intractable post-traumatic neuralgia underwent surgical resection of the injured peripheral nerve.
- The nerve was resected at the site of pain and extended 3 cm proximally.
Findings:
- Surgical resection resulted in significant pain reduction or complete resolution in all patients.
- Pain relief areas correlated with nerve resection sites in 17 patients (complete) and 3 patients (partial).
- Histology revealed Wallerian degeneration and the presence of substance P around degenerated nerves, indicating its role in nociceptive transmission.
Implications:
- Peripheral nerve resection is a promising surgical intervention for refractory post-traumatic neuralgia.
- Understanding the role of substance P in nerve injury pain may lead to targeted therapies.
- This study highlights the efficacy of surgical management for neuropathic pain.