Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface: Surgical Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial in Postamputation Pain

We're investigating surgical procedures to treat pain after limb amputation. That is residual limb pain and phantom limb pain. In particular, we aim to produce high quality scientific evidence on the efficacy of surgical procedures in which nerves are given new muscular targets to avoid the formation of neuromas and pain.

The reasons for limb amputation are diverse, and these often happen unplanned, as in the case of traumatic injuries. This results in a wide difference in the anatomy of residual limbs. Such variability poses challenges to the standardization of surgical procedures.

Nevertheless, in this research, we have achieved a common surgical technique in consensus with experienced surgeons worldwide. This protocol provides a standardized method to perform the regenerative peripheral nerve interface technique, which was agreed upon by a large consortium of experienced surgeons. This standardization will minimize bias in our randomized control trial, and will allow the procedures to be used and implemented in other clinics conducting amputation care.