Efficacy and Safety of Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface: A Retrospective Study on Amputees With Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Bone and soft tissue tumors are significant causes of limb amputation. Regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI) is an effective method for preventing neuroma formation in residual nerves. However, the efficacy and safety of RPNI in patients undergoing amputation due to bone and soft tissue tumors require further investigation. METHODS: This study retrospectively enrolled clinical data from 32 patients who underwent amputation due to bone and soft tissue tumors. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the traditional amputation (TA) group and the RPNI group. Twelve-week postoperative follow-ups were conducted to observe the incidence and severity of postoperative pain, postoperative quality of life, and the rates of tumor recurrence and metastasis. RESULTS: The incidence of postoperative pain was 68.8% in the TA group and 25% in the RPNI group, a statistically significant difference (P = .032). The incidence of phantom limb pain was 43.8% in the TA group, whereas no patients in the RPNI group experienced phantom limb pain, which was also statistically significant (P = .037). The proportions of patients whose pain affected sleep and who required analgesics were significantly lower in the RPNI group compared with the TA group (P = .0028 and P = .0008, respectively). There was no significant difference in tumor recurrence and metastasis rates between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing amputation for bone and soft tissue tumors, RPNI significantly reduces the incidence and severity of postoperative pain without increasing the risk of tumor recurrence and metastasis.