Sonographically guided alcohol injection in painful stump neuroma

• Published in: Annals of rehabilitation medicine Vol. 36; no. 3; pp. 404 - 408
• Main Authors: Lim, Kil-Byung, Kim, Young-Sup, Kim, Jeong-A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine 01.06.2012; 대한재활의학회
• Subjects: Case Report; 재활의학; Sonography; Stump neuroma; Alcohol neurolysis
• ISSN: 2234-0645; 2234-0653
• DOI: 10.5535/arm.2012.36.3.404

Stump neuroma is a common cause of pain from disorganized proliferation of nerve fascicles occurring after limb amputation. Ultrasound guided alcohol injection in painful stump neuroma has been tried as a new treatment approach. Herein, we report 2 male patients, who had traumatic amputation and claimed severe and diffuse burning pain in the stump area. Neuroma at the distal end of an amputated nerve was clearly identified on sonography. The patients gradually developed increasing severe pain that could not be managed with conservative care. They were treated with neurolysis using alcohol solution. Using ultrasonographical guidance, 1.2 ml of 100% dehydrated alcohol was injected into the nerves proximal to neuroma. No complications occurred. The patients were initially pain free. After a few months, however, their stump pain recurred slightly. Repeat neurolysis was performed using 0.3 ml of 100% dehydrated alcohol. During the three months follow-up period, mild stump pain occurred but the patients did not require any analgesics.