Targeted Muscle Reinnervation for Amputees

Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) is a new surgical technique to reduce phantom limb pain and neuroma pain in amputees. Developed by Dr. Greg Dumanian at Northwestern University, this new technique offers promise for millions of amputees living with pain every day.

TMR takes advantage of the nerve’s ability to regenerate. Instead of cutting a nerve, as in a traditional amputation, when performing TMR a surgeon reconnects the cut nerve to a new nerve leading to muscle. The two nerve ends then grow together and the old cut nerve becomes a motor nerve to its new ‘target.’ This new innervation pattern gives the nerve something to do (reinnervate) and therefore significantly reduces neuroma formation. Furthermore, the brain no longer receives pain signalling from the nerve, causing brain changes, and making it so that the patient can’t feel the pain anymore.

If you are struggling with phantom limb pain or neuroma pain following an amputation, make an appointment today to discuss if TMR may help you.