Innervated Flap Reconstruction for Painful Neuroma of the Finger: A Report of Two Cases

Abstract

  Painful neuroma of the finger may cause spontaneous pain, paresthesia, numbness, cold intolerance, and tapping pain (Tinel sign) , and may result in significant disability of activities of daily living. We experienced two cases with painful neuromas of the fingers that were reconstructed with innervated flaps after neuroma resection. Case 1 had painful neuromas in bilateral digital nerves of the index finger. The patient was treated with an innervated crossed finger flap from the middle finger as an active/reconstructive technique. Case 2 had a painful neuroma in the digital nerve of the thumb. The patient was treated with a first dorsal metacarpal artery flap as a passive/ablative technique. Both patients had good pain relief and preservation of sensation of their fingers. Our findings suggest that innervated flap reconstruction after neuroma resection is a useful procedure for painful neuroma of the finger.