New nerve surgery offers hope to end phantom limb pain

This study tested a new surgical technique called a Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI) to prevent and treat severe, chronic nerve pain in people who have had a major leg amputation. The surgery involves implanting the cut nerve end into a small piece of muscle to help it heal properly and prevent painful nerve tangles called neuromas. Researchers followed 132 patients to see if this procedure reduced their pain, improved their quality of life, and decreased their need for pain medications like opioids.