Epineurial capping via Surgitron and the reduction of stump neuromas in the rat

Abstract

Stump neuromas and recurrent neuromas are common problems following amputation and neuroma excision, respectively. Epineurial capping by microsuture has been shown to be somewhat effective in the reduction of the size of stump neuromas and in their confinement away from a weightbearing area. The present study shows that epineurial capping by coagulation of the epineurium with a radiofrequency wave Surgitron forms an effective seal around the proximal stumps of severed axons in rats. This seal effectively reduced axon proliferation but did not completely inhibit neuroma formation. Removal of the distal stump did not significantly affect neuroma formation in the proximal stump.