Nerve stripping: new treatment for neuromas of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve

We present a new method for the treatment of painful neuromas of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve. A preliminary cadaver study was done to investigate the extraneural and intraneural course of the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve with respect to the main trunk of the median nerve. Seven patients presented with a painful neuroma following previous surgery on the palmar aspect of the wrist. The neuroma was dissected and excised by stripping the whole of the palmar cutaneous branch from the main trunk of the median nerve. In all cases complete relief from pain and discomfort was achieved. The resulting area of numbness in the palm did not represent a significant problem.