Comparative Analysis of Dorsal Nerve Relocation versus Dorsal Neurectomy in the Surgical Management of Morton's Neuroma

Abstract

This clinical study compares the use of dorsal nerve relocation (DNR; also known as dorsal nerve transfer) and dorsal neurectomy (DN) in the surgical management of Morton's neuroma within the surgical directorate of an NHS Hospital Trust (Princess Royal University Hospital) in the South East of England between 2002 and 2009. Approaches to the surgical management of Morton's neuroma are dependent on the views of individual surgeons, rather than empirical evidence and varied considerably, so this study was essentially all about checking whether best practice is being followed and making improvements. Data were collected using an in-depth review of patients' case notes and patient questionnaires. In total, there were 47 cases (51 web spaces), 25 (28 web spaces) in the DNR group, and 22 (23 web spaces) in the DN group. The key indication for surgery in all cases reviewed was failure of the condition to improve using conservative methods. The mean follow-up duration was 36 months (12-89) in the DNR group and 41 months (12 69) in the DN group. Coughlin's criterion was used to analyze individual records. The results suggest that DNR is more effective (92%) than DN in the surgical management of Morton's neuroma (82%). Key advantages of DNR include earlier return to wearing routine footwear, earlier return to normal routine/work, and better resolution of sensory symptoms in the toes. Although DNR is a slightly longer procedure than DN, minor difficulties were encountered relating to nerve mobilization because of overlying prominent veins or multiple nerve branches rather than a single nerve. DNR avoids the risk of a stump neuroma formation. Our results, although supporting the literature, are not statistically significant. There are no direct comparative studies between DNR and DN in the literature, and therefore potential for more studies in the form of prospective randomized trials to establish a robust evidential basis for the surgical management of Morton's neuroma are needed.