Free versus vascularized regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces in upper limb neuromas: a systematic review

The treatment of neuromas with regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces (RPNI) has gained much attention in recent years. This systematic review compared the clinical outcomes of upper limb neuromas treated with free (fRPNI) versus vascularized RPNI (vRPNI).

This systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed database was searched for relevant studies published between August 2016 and May 2023. The search term “RPNI” was used. Data including patient demographics, type of RPNI performed, mean pain duration prior to RPNI, post-operative follow-up period, the reduction in neuroma pain scores after RPNI and post-operative complications were extracted independently by two authors and recorded using standard computer software for data processing.

Of 43 papers identified, only four fulfilled the inclusion criteria. This provided data for upper limb neuromas in 32 patients where a total of 83 RPNIs (22 vascularized) were performed. The means for patient age, duration of neuroma pain, length of reported postoperative follow-up, and reduction in neuroma pain scores were 44.0 years, 3.6 years, 12.2 months and 86% respectively.

The current evidence suggests that either fRPNI or vRPNI may be useful for treating upper extremity neuromas, both prophylactically and secondarily. However, the heterogeneity and inconsistencies in data reporting are such that further studies are required to compare clinical outcomes between fRPNI and vRPNI to determine if one is superior to the other.

Level of Evidence: Not gradable.