During surgery, for ex-
ample, accidental sympathectomy
can occur, leading to neuroma development and a predictable se-
quence of events: “internal” stimu-
lation of afferent or somatosensory
neurons, generation of efferent
nerve impulses, and the subse-
quent sensation of neurologic pain.
JAMES F. CARTER, MD, and DAVID E. SOPER, MD