Results after Morton's neuroma resection via plantar approach

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to present the results after resection of Morton's neuroma via the plantar approach. In total 415 consecutive patients were operated on Morton's neuroma. The average follow-up was 39 months (range: 9–94). The mean age at the time of surgery was 56 years (range: 28–86). In 217 cases the neuroma was located in 2nd–3rd and 256 cases in the 3rd–4th interdigital space. A 174 neuromas were seen at the left and 170 at the right foot; 64 cases were bilateral. A 356 patients could be followed-up with a VAS and modified Kitaoka-score. All patients were operated via a plantar approach. A 328 of the 356 patients were subjectively satisfied with the results. The most significant improvement was documented for pain relief during daily activity. The average Kitaoka-score at the follow-up was 72 points (range: 35–75). In 6 cases postoperatively superficial wound healing problems occurred which were treated conservatively. A 10 patients complained about the plantar scar, in 32 patients a shoe conflict was observed for less than 6 months. Surgical resection of a Morton's neuroma via the plantar approach lead to good and reproducible results.