Each wound, from small cuts to limb amputations, causes nerve injury, which leads to some degree of neuroma formation. Approximately 8% of all neuromas become painful. However, what drives a neuroma to become painful is unknown, hampering development of a fully effective treatment.

With this translational project, we are able to investigate the pathophysiology of painful neuromas, new medicine and techniques in an animal model of neuroma pain. By comparing the neuromas in the animal model with human neuroma specimen obtained from routine pain surgery, we are able to link in vivo testing to the clinical situation.

This project is a collaboration between the plastic surgery, neuro-pathology and neuro-immunology departments of the UMC Utrecht. We also have a close collaboration with Axogen Inc, Florida.