The neuroma map: A systematic review of the anatomic distribution, etiologies, and surgical treatment of painful traumatic neuromas.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study analyzed all reported cases of painful traumatic neuromas to better understand their anatomic distribution, etiologies, and surgical treatment. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science were searched in October 2023 for articles describing painful traumatic neuromas. RESULTS: In total, 414 articles reporting 5,562 neuromas were included and categorized into head/neck, trunk, upper extremity, lower extremity, and autonomic nerves. Distribution was as follows Head/neck 83 articles reported on 393 neuromas (93.2% iatrogenic) most frequently involving the lingual (44.4%), cervical plexus (15.0%), great auricular (8.6%), inferior/superior alveolar (8.3%), and occipital (7.2%) nerves. Trunk 47 articles reported on 552 neuromas (92.9% iatrogenic) most commonly involving the intercostal (40.0%), ilioinguinal (18.2%) and genitofemoral (16.2%) nerves. Upper extremity 160 articles reported on 2082 neuromas (42.2% after amputation) most frequently involving the digital (47.0%), superficial radial (18.3%), and median (7.0%) nerves. Lower extremity 128 articles reported on 2,531 neuromas (53.0% after amputation) most commonly involving the sural (17.9%), superficial peroneal (17.3%), and saphenous (16.0%) nerves. Autonomic nerves 17 articles reported on 53 neuromas (100% iatrogenic) most frequently involving the biliary tract (64.2%) and vagus nerve (18.9%). Compared with the extremities, neuromas in the head/neck and trunk had significantly longer symptom duration before surgical treatment and the nerve end was significantly less frequently reconstructed after neuroma excision. CONCLUSION: Painful neuromas are predominantly reported in the extremities yet may occur throughout the body primarily after iatrogenic injury. Knowledge of their anatomic distribution from head to toe will encourage awareness to avoid injury and expedite diagnosis to prevent treatment delay.