Digital Nerve Management and Neuroma Prevention in Hand Amputations

BACKGROUND

Hand and digit amputations represent a relatively common injury affecting an active patient population. Neuroma formation following amputation at the level of the digital nerve can cause significant disability and lead to revision surgery. One method for managing digital nerves in primary and revision partial hand amputations is to perform interdigital end-to-end nerve coaptations to prevent neuroma formation.

METHODS

All patients with an amputation at the level of the common or proper digital nerves that had appropriate follow-up at our institution from 2010 to 2020 were included. Common or proper digital nerves were managed with either traction neurectomy or digital end-to-end neurorrhaphy. The primary outcome was the development of a neuroma. Secondary outcomes included revision surgery, complications, and visual analog pain scores.

RESULTS

A total of 289 nerves in 54 patients underwent hand or digital amputation in the study period. Thirteen hands with 78 nerves (27%) underwent direct end-to-end coaptation with a postoperative neuroma incidence of 12.8% compared with 22.7% in the 211 nerves that did not have a coaptation performed. Significantly fewer patients reported persistent pain if an end-to-end coaptation was performed (0% vs. 11.8%, P < .01). The prevalence of depression and workers compensation status was significantly higher in in patients with symptomatic neuromas than in patients without symptomatic neuromas (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Digital nerve end-to-end neurorrhaphy is a method for neuroma prevention in partial hand amputations that results in decreased residual hand pain without increase complications. Depression and worker's compensations status were significantly associated with symptomatic neuroma formation.

Rare case of Intraneural Lipoma of Digital Nerve

Lipomas, although ubiquitous, are extremely uncommon in digital nerves. We present a 68-year-old male patient with right ring finger radial digital nerve intraneural lipoma. The tumor was enucleated preserving all the nerve fascicles. We present this case to highlight the rare occurrence of lipomas within a digital nerve.

Muscle in vein conduits: our experience

Muscle in vein (MIV ) conduits have gradually been employed in the last 20 years as a valuable technique in bridging peripheral nerve gaps after nerve lesions who cannot undergo a direct tension-free coaptation. The advantages of this procedure comparing to the actual benchmark (autograft) is the sparing of the donor site, and the huge availability of both components (i.e. muscle and veins). Here we present a case serie of four MIV performed at our hospital from 2018 to 2019. The results we obtained in our experi-ence confirmed its effectiveness both in nerve regeneration (as sensibility recovery) and in neuropathic pain eradication. Our positive outcomes encourage its use in selected cases of residual nerve gaps up to 30 mm.

The effect of digital sensory loss on hand dexterity

The purpose of this study is to determine how loss of sensation affect hand dexterity. In this study, digital nerve block anaesthesia was performed in different stages of timing for thumb, index and middle fingers of 12 volunteers. The Moberg pick-up test was conducted in the assessment of hand dexterity. Grip and pinch forces were also measured. Loss of thumb sensation had the greatest effect on dexterity, increasing average timing by at least 10.5 seconds (range 3.4 to 32.4). Loss of sensation to the index and middle fingers has a lesser impact, but decreased hand grip and chuck pinch forces (grip -25% or -33%, chuck pinch -31% or -32% depending on the timing of injections). We concluded that loss of thumb sensation has the greatest impact on hand dexterity. Index and middle finger sensory loss had less of an impact on hand dexterity but decreased grip and chuck pinch forces.Level of evidence: IV.

Distal Digital Nerve Repair Using Nerve Allograft With a Dermal Substitute: A Case Report

Background: Distal digital nerve repairs can present unique challenges for hand surgeons due to their sensitive location and ongoing difficulty obtaining soft tissue coverage in this region. Although autografts and nerve conduits have been shown to be of benefit with nerve gaps, they can have morbidities associated with their use. Nerve allografts have become a viable option over the past decade as their use has increased and data are now showing similar outcomes, particularly in short gap segments. Flaps and skin grafts are traditional coverage options for full thickness wounds but can pose challenges with multiple digit involvement, depth of wound, and critical structures exposed. Methods: We present a case where nerve allograft was used for distal digital nerve repair. Due to the distal nature of the nerve repair in the index digit distal to the trifurcation, the distal end of the nerve graft was connected to multiple small nerve ends. Dermal substitute was placed to achieve distal coverage of the affected digits. Results: At 6-month follow-up, the patient demonstrated improved strength, normal sensation, and full return of digital function. Conclusion: Nerve allograft can be used in combination with dermal skin substitute to achieve normal sensation and return of digital function following distal digital nerve injuries.

Long-Term Outcomes following Pediatric Peripheral Nerve Injury Repair

Introduction  Peripheral nerve injuries in children are uncommon and can be challenging to diagnose. There is a paucity of data on long-term sensorimotor and functional outcomes following surgical repair. We present a 12-year retrospective analysis of pediatric peripheral nerve repair with long-term functional outcomes. Materials and Methods  We performed a retrospective analysis of pediatric patients with peripheral nerve injury requiring surgical repair. Clinical records were analyzed for procedure type, time to surgery, mechanism of injury, postoperative recovery, and complications. Results  A total of 108 patients were identified and 87 patients were included. Out of 87 patients, 83 (95.4%) had partial or complete sensorimotor recovery at final follow-up and 4 did not improve. Minor complications occurred in 10.3% of patients, all resolved with conservative management. Mechanisms of injury were predominantly lacerations with sharp objects or crush injuries. Age at time of injury was inversely correlated with sensorimotor recovery, and time to surgical repair was not. Conclusion  Surgical repair with long-term hand therapy results in excellent functional outcomes following pediatric peripheral nerve injury. A low threshold for exploration and repair should be used in instances of diagnostic uncertainty. Timing of surgical repair is dependent on a patient's clinical presentation; however, repair within 48 hours is sufficient for optimal sensorimotor recovery.

A New Surface Landmark for Thumb Digital Nerve Bifurcation: A Cadaveric Study

PURPOSE

The radial and ulnar thumb digital nerves are critical for tactile sensation and dexterity in the hand. This cadaveric study sought to validate a surface landmark for the bifurcation of the thumb radial digital nerve (RDN) and ulnar digital nerve (UDN).

METHODS

We used 24 fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens for dissections. With the thumb placed in the plane of the palm and fully radially abducted, the index finger metacarpophalangeal joint was flexed to 90°. Then, while keeping the distal interphalangeal joint straight, the proximal interphalangeal joint was flexed until the fingertip contacted the thenar eminence to identify the point of bifurcation. We made a U-shaped incision and identified the bifurcation of the thumb RDN and UDN. The point of bifurcation was measured from the ulnar- and proximal-most aspects of the incision.

RESULTS

The bifurcation of the thumb RDN and UDN was consistently identified within the U in 22 of 24 specimens (92%). In 16 specimens, the index RDN was also identified either trifurcating with the thumb RDN and UDN or branching from a common digital nerve of index RDN and thumb UDN. Most bifurcation points were found directly along the ulnar and proximal edge of the incision. Two specimens contained a bifurcation point 2 mm ulnar to the ulnar limb of the U.

CONCLUSIONS

The bifurcation U is a consistent landmark for the thumb RDN and UDN point of bifurcation. The variable branching patterns in this region confirms the importance of thorough clinical examination with penetrating injuries to the thenar eminence.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This surface anatomic landmark for the thumb RDN and UDN bifurcation may aid in preventing iatrogenic injuries during elective procedures and identifying at-risk structures during penetrating injuries to the palm.

Sensory Outcomes in Digital Nerve Repair Techniques: An Updated Meta-analysis and Systematic Review

Background: Injuries to digital nerves are common with trauma to the hand, often requiring surgery. Surgical management of these injuries can be performed using several techniques: direct repair (neurorrhaphy), autograft, allograft, and conduit repair. In light of increasing the availability and use of various digital nerve repair techniques, a new systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken to comparatively review the available evidence to determine any differences in outcomes to better guide treatment in cases with digital nerve gaps. Methods: Current literature on sensory outcomes of various digital nerve repair techniques was reviewed using static 2-point discrimination (S2PD), moving 2-point discrimination (M2PD), Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing (SWMF), and complication rates as outcomes of interest. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, 15 articles were reviewed and 625 nerve repairs were analyzed. Results: The average gap length for allograft repair, autograft repair, and conduit repair was 15.4, 24.7, and 13.4 mm, respectively. For S2PD outcomes, autograft repair was statistically superior to all other forms of repair. Allograft trended higher than neurorrhaphy and conduit repair, but results were not statistically significant. For SWMF outcomes, autograft repair was statistically superior to conduit repair and neurorrhaphy; it was statistically comparable with allograft repair. Allograft performed statistically superior to conduit repair relative to M2PD. Conclusions: Based on the current updated meta-analysis using newer data and techniques, we found that all available techniques have reasonable outcomes. Yet when managing a digital nerve injury with a gap, thereby excluding direct neurorrhaphy, both autograft and allograft performed comparably and were superior to conduit repair.

Long-Term Outcomes of Digital Nerve Repair Accompanied by Digital Artery Injury in Flexor Zone 2

Objectives  Better healing results of any tissue or area is closely linked with a well-blood supply in reconstructive surgery. Peripheric nerve healing is closely related to blood supply as well. We aimed to assess whether there was any difference between digital nerve healing with and without extrinsic blood supply.

Methods  We assessed 48 patients with unilateral digital nerve injury at zone 2. Twenty-four of them had unrepairable arterial injury and other 24 had no arterial injury. The 24 patients in the “unrepaired artery group” (UA) and 24 patients in the “intact artery group” (IA) were compared.

Results  Mean follow-up time was 17.7 months. The mean two-point discrimination (2PD) was 5.29 mm in IA group and 5.37 mm in UA group. One neuroma in IA group and two neuromas in UA group were determined. We found no statistically significant difference between these groups in terms of neuroma, 2PD, and cold intolerance. The results of British Medical Research Council sensory recovery clinical scale were comparable for these two groups.

Conclusion  Digital nerve healing is related to numerous factors. We hypothesized that blood flow may be one of these factors; however, at this zone digital artery repair is not the foremost determinant for digital nerve healing. Further researches should be done for upper injury levels. Despite this result, we argue not to leave the digital artery without repairment and we propose to repair both artery and nerve to achieve the normal anatomical integrity and to warrant finger blood flow in possible future injuries.

Pigmented border as a new surface landmark for digital nerve blocks: a cross sectional anatomical study

The purpose of this study was to identify surface anatomy of digital nerves in relation to the pigmented border of digits. Three-hundred and sixty digital nerves in 36 preserved adult cadaveric hands were dissected under magnification. The digital nerves were constantly located anterior to the pigmented border. The median curvilinear distance along the skin from the pigmented border to the digital nerves of the index, middle, ring and little fingers was 1.4 mm. In the thumb, this distance was 2.4 and 3.7 mm on the radial and ulnar sides, respectively. The digital nerve was located 2.4 mm deep to the skin in all fingers. The median angle to the nerve from the skin at the pigmented border was 30°. These dimensions differed in the thumb compared with the rest of the fingers. We conclude that the pigmented border of digits is a reliable anatomical landmark to locate digital nerves.

Outcome of surgical repair of adult digital nerve injury: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

A systematic review to assess the evidence supporting surgical repair of digital nerve injury versus no repair in adults in terms of clinical outcomes.

DESIGN

A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-compliant systematic review with methodology based on the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews of Interventions.

DATA SOURCES

Databases included OvidMEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, clinicaltrials.gov and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, searched from inception until 10 November 2018.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Adult digital nerve injury in which either direct repair or no repair was undertaken and an outcome measure was recorded.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Study data extracted included demographics, injury type and extent, timing, treatment details, outcome data and time points, adverse outcomes, hand therapy and return to work. The National Institute of Health quality assessment tool for case series was used to assess risk of bias.

RESULTS

Thirty studies were included. One compared surgical repair with non-repair. All studies were case series of between 15 and 110 nerve injuries, with heterogeneous patient, injury and treatment characteristics. Two studies detailed nerve repair without magnification. Static 2-point discrimination (s2PD) was the most commonly reported outcome measure. Return of protective sensation was achieved in most cases in the nerve repair and no nerve repair groups. Repair resulted in better s2PD than no repair, but <25% repaired nerves achieved normal levels. Adverse outcomes were similar between repair and no repair groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Only level IV evidence is available to support surgical repair of digital nerves in adults. Return of normal sensibility is uncommon and almost all unrepaired nerves regained protective sensation by 6 months and all patients declined further surgery. There was no difference in adverse outcomes. There is currently a lack of high-quality evidence to support surgical repair of digital nerve injuries in adults and further research is needed.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42017065092.

Fibrin Glue Increases the Tensile Strength of Conduit-Assisted Primary Digital Nerve Repair

BACKGROUND

An ideal peripheral nerve repair construct does not currently exist. Our primary goal was to determine whether fibrin glue adds to the tensile strength of conduit-assisted primary digital nerve repairs. Our secondary goal was to evaluate the impact of varying suture number and location on the tensile strength.

METHODS

Ninety cadaveric digital nerves were harvested and divided equally into the following repair groups: A (4/4), B (2/2), C (0/2), D (0/1), and E (0/0) with the first number referring to the number of sutures at the coaptation and the second number referring to the number of sutures at each proximal and distal end of the nerve-conduit junction. When fibrin glue was added, the group was labeled prime. The nerve specimens were transected and then repaired with 8-0 nylon suture and conduit. The tensile strength of the repairs was tested, and maximum failure load was determined. The results were analyzed with a 2-way analysis of variance. The Tukey post hoc test compared repair groups if the 2-way analysis of variance showed significance.

RESULTS

Both suture group and glue presence significantly affected the maximum failure load. Increasing the number of sutures increased the maximum failure load, and the presence of fibrin glue also increased the failure load.

CONCLUSIONS

Fibrin glue was found to increase the strength of conduit-assisted primary digital nerve repairs. Furthermore, the number of sutures correlated to the strength of the repair. Fibrin glue may be added to a conduit-assisted primary digital nerve repair to maintain strength and allow fewer sutures at the primary coaptation site.

A cadaveric study of the distribution pattern of the cutaneous sensory fibres of the distal palm of the hand

We investigated the cutaneous innervation of the distal palm, an area frequently dissected by the hand surgeon. Ten (five paired) fresh-frozen cadaveric hands were dissected under 3.0× loupe magnification. Volar branches were found on both sides in the majority of digits. They originated alongside, or at the proximal margin of, the A1 pulley in 84% of digits. The mean distance from the palmar digital crease to the origin of volar branches was 21 mm.

A Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Pilot Study of Outcomes for Digital Nerve Repair in the Hand Using Hollow Conduit Compared With Processed Allograft Nerve

BACKGROUND

Current repair options for peripheral nerve injuries where tension-free gap closure is not possible include allograft, processed nerve allograft, and hollow tube conduit. Here we report on the outcomes from a multicenter prospective, randomized, patient- and evaluator-blinded, pilot study comparing processed nerve allograft and hollow conduit for digital nerve reconstructions in the hand.

METHODS

Across 4 centers, consented participants meeting inclusion criteria while not meeting exclusion criteria were randomized intraoperatively to either processed nerve allograft or hollow conduit. Standard sensory and safety assessments were conducted at baseline, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after reconstruction. The primary outcome was static 2-point discrimination (s2PD) testing. Participants and assessors were blinded to treatment. The contralateral digit served as the control.

RESULTS

We randomized 23 participants with 31 digital nerve injuries. Sixteen participants with 20 repairs had at least 6 months of follow-up while 12-month follow-up was available for 15 repairs. There were no significant differences in participant and baseline characteristics between treatment groups. The predominant nerve injury was laceration/sharp transection. The mean ± SD length of the nerve gap prior to repair was 12 ± 4 mm (5-20 mm) for both groups. The average s2PD for processed allograft was 5 ± 1 mm (n = 6) compared with 8 ± 5 mm (n = 9) for hollow conduits. The average moving 2PD for processed allograft was 5 ± 1 mm compared with 7 ± 5 mm for hollow conduits. All injuries randomized to processed nerve allograft returned some degree of s2PD as compared with 75% of the repairs in the conduit group. Two hollow conduits and one allograft were lost due to infection during the study.

CONCLUSIONS

In this pilot study, patients whose digital nerve reconstructions were performed with processed nerve allografts had significantly improved and more consistent functional sensory outcomes compared with hollow conduits.

Influence of immobilization and sensory re-education on the sensory recovery after reconstruction of digital nerves with direct suture or muscle-in-vein conduits

The influence of duration of immobilization and postoperative sensory re-education on the final outcome after reconstruction of digital nerves with direct suture or muscle-in-vein conduits was investigated. The final sensory outcome of 35 patients with 41 digital nerve injuries, who either underwent a direct suture (DS) or a nerve reconstruction with muscle-in-vein conduits (MVC), was assessed the earliest 12 months postoperatively using static and moving two-point discrimination as well as Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. There was no significant difference in sensory recovery in cases with an immobilization of 3-7 days versus 10 days in the DS or MVC group. Moreover, no statistically significant difference in sensory recovery was found in cases receiving postoperative sensory re-education versus those not receiving in the DS or MVC group. An early mobilization does not seem to have a negative impact on the final outcome after digital nerve reconstruction. The effect of sensory re-education after digital nerve reconstruction should be reconsidered.

One-stage human acellular nerve allograft reconstruction for digital nerve defects

Human acellular nerve allografts have a wide range of donor origin and can effectively avoid nerve injury in the donor area. Very little is known about one-stage reconstruction of digital nerve defects. The present study observed the feasibility and effectiveness of human acellular nerve allograft in the reconstruction of < 5-cm digital nerve defects within 6 hours after injury. A total of 15 cases of nerve injury, combined with nerve defects in 18 digits from the Department of Emergency were enrolled in this study. After debridement, digital nerves were reconstructed using human acellular nerve allografts. The patients were followed up for 6–24 months after reconstruction. Mackinnon-Dellon static two-point discrimination results showed excellent and good rates of 89%. Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test demonstrated that light touch was normal, with an obvious improvement rate of 78%. These findings confirmed that human acellular nerve allograft for one-stage reconstruction of digital nerve defect after hand injury is feasible, which provides a novel trend for peripheral nerve reconstruction.

The Diagnosis and Treatment of Joplin's Neuroma

Joplin's neuroma is a rare perineurial fibrosis of the medial plantar digital proper nerve arising from various etiologies but most commonly after bunion surgery. Treatment for this painful great toe problem remains controversial. It is our purpose to describe our experience with this chronic pain problem, considering it to be a neuroma requiring resection. A retrospective medical record review of 8 patients with medial hallux pain related to the digital nerve was performed. Each patient had failed to respond to >6 months of nonoperative therapy. At surgery, the medial digital nerve to the hallux was identified distally, the neuroma was resected distally, and the proximal end of the nerve was implanted into the arch of the foot in 7 (87.5%) of the 8 patients. At a mean follow-up of 25 (range 13 to 43) months, 6 results (75%) were excellent, 1 (12.5%) was good, and 1 (12.5%) was fair. The 1 fair result was in the only patient in whom the distal end of the divided nerve was not implanted proximally, according to the patient's request. In conclusion, surgical resection of the medial plantar nerve to the hallux with implantation of the proximal end of the nerve into the arch of the foot, can be expected to result in good to excellent relief of pain in 80% of the patients.

Allograft reconstruction for digital nerve loss

PURPOSE

To investigate the outcomes of digital nerve repairs using processed nerve allograft for defects measuring 30 mm or less.

METHODS

Seventeen patients with 21 digital nerve lacerations in the hand underwent reconstruction with processed nerve allograft. Outcome data for 14 patients with 18 digital nerve lacerations were available for analysis. Postoperative outcome data were recorded at a minimum of 12 months and an average of 15 months. The average nerve gap measured 11 mm (range, 5-30 mm). Outcome measures included postoperative sensory examination as assessed by Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments and static and moving 2-point discrimination. Pain was graded using a visual analog scale throughout the recovery period. In addition, patients completed the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand survey before and after surgery.

RESULTS

Using Taras outcome criteria, 7 of 18 (39%) digits had excellent results, 8 of 18 (44%) had good results, 3 of 18 (17%) digits had fair results, and none had poor results. At final follow-up, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing results ranged from 0.08 g to 279 g. Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores recorded at the patient's first postoperative visit averaged 45 (range, 2-80), and final scores averaged 26 (range, 2-43). There were no signs of infection, extrusion, or graft reaction.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that processed nerve allograft provides a safe and effective alternative for the reconstruction of peripheral digital nerve deficits measuring up to 30 mm.

NON-INVASIVE EVALUATION OF NERVE CONDUCTION IN SMALL DIAMETER FIBERS IN THE RAT

A novel non-invasive technique was applied to measure velocity within slow conducting axons in the distal extreme of the sciatic nerve (i.e., digital nerve) in a rat model. The technique is based on the extraction of rectified multiple unit activity (MUA) from in vivo whole nerve compound responses. This method reliably identifies compound action potentials in thinly myelinated fibers conducting at a range of 9-18 m/s (Aδ axons), as well as in a subgroup of unmylinated C fibers conducting at approximately 1-2 m/s. The sensitivity of the method to C-fiber conduction was confirmed by the progressive decrement of the responses in the 1-2 m/s range over a 20-day period following the topical application of capsaicin (ANOVA p<0.03). Increasing the frequency of applied repetitive stimulation over a range of 0.75 Hz to 6.0 Hz produced slowing of conduction and a significant decrease in the magnitude of the compound C-fiber response (ANOVA p<0.01). This technique offers a unique opportunity for the non-invasive, repeatable, and quantitative assessment of velocity in the subsets of Aδ and C fibers in parallel with evaluation of fast nerve conduction.

Collagen tube conduits in peripheral nerve repair: a retrospective analysis

A chart review was conducted of all patients receiving NeuraGen® conduits from 2002 to 2007 at Regions Hospital, a level I trauma center. Ninety-six patients underwent 126 repairs using NeuraGen® conduits, and 64 patients were seen in follow-up. Repairs were largely of upper extremity sensory nerves but six were repairs of nerves elsewhere in the body. There were no intra-operative complications, but there were two minor postoperative complications and one postoperative pulmonary embolus. Forty of 126 repairs were lost to follow-up. Twenty-six of 126 repairs had follow-up with quantitative testing of nerve recovery (2-point discrimination, Semmes-Weinstein, or EMG testing), with 35% reporting improvement and 31% going on to a revision operation. Sixty of 126 repairs had qualitative testing performed (subjective or objective reporting of sensation or motor function), with 45% reporting improvement and 5% going on to a revision operation. Patients who went on to revision surgery were more likely to have undergone quantitative evaluation of sensation. Overall, sensory recovery was in the 35-45% range in our experience. Our results indicate that NeuraGen® collagen conduits can be used safely throughout the body.

Treatment of bowler's neuroma with digital nerve translocation

Bowler's thumb presents as paresthesias or a neuroma involving the ulnar digital nerve of the thumb. Over 95 million people enjoy bowling worldwide with nearly 3 million certified league bowlers in the United States. While the incidence of Bowler's thumb is unknown, it is an unrelenting nuisance for bowlers, and symptoms can be severe enough to prevent further sport participation. The condition can be managed nonoperatively with rest and splinting, but successful nonoperative treatment frequently requires discontinuation of bowling. The pressure on athletes to resume sports participation sooner and the possibility of nonoperative treatment failure mandate the need for development of a dependable surgical procedure for this condition. We present a case report of a successful surgical treatment by transposing the ulnar digital nerve dorsal to the adductor pollicis. The patient returned to manual labor and resumed bowling and is symptom free 3 years postsurgery.

The tag test for Dupuytren's surgery

Digital nerve injury is a well-recognised complication of surgical treatment for Dupuytren's disease. We describe a simple test, the Tag test, that can be used intra-operatively to help identification of the digital nerves.

Symmetric lipofibromatous hamartoma affecting digital nerves

Lipofibromatous hamartoma of the nerve is a benign tumor, which affects the major nerves and their branches in the human body. It is often found in the median nerve of the hand and is commonly associated with macrodactyly, but it is rarely found in the digital nerves at the peripheral level. This tumor is often found in young adults and may go through a self- limiting course. However, operation is indicated when the tumor size is large or when the associated nerve compressive symptoms are present. We have experienced a rare case of lipofibromatous hamartoma that symmetrically involved the volar digital nerves of both index fingers on the ulnar side. With the aid of a microscope, we dissected and removed the tumor as much as possible without sacrificing the nerve. No sensory change occurred in both fingers and no sign of recurrence was observed upon follow-up.