Neuroma in bilateral upper limb amputation

Abstract

To evaluate the prevalence of neuroma in bilateral upper limb amputees and investigate the effect of level of amputation on their pain, 86 patients with bilateral upper limb amputation were thoroughly examined by an orthopedic surgeon. Of 172 bilateral amputated upper limbs (86 victims of war) 17.1+/-6.1 years after injury, physical examination revealed that 26.2% had moderate to severe stump pain and clinical signs suggestive of neuroma. Statistical analysis showed no relation between level of amputation, prosthesis usage, and occurrence of neuroma. Although high occurrence of neuroma among traumatic bilateral upper limb amputation had no significant effects on wearing prosthesis, its treatment can deeply influence alleviation of their pain and subsequently their quality of life.