Morton's Neuroma Research Articles

Endoscopic Interdigital Neurectomy of the Foot

Morton's neuroma is a compressive neuropathy resulting in perineural fibrosis rather than a neuroma of the plantar digital nerve. Surgical treatment is indicated for patients with a clear diagnosis of Morton's neuroma and no improvement with nonsurgical treatment. The surgical options include isolated intermetatarsal ligament division, isolated interdigital nerve excision, and interdigital nerve excision with intermetatarsal ligament division, with or without submuscular transposition. This can be performed via dorsal or plantar approach. The open approaches require long incisions and extensive soft-tissue dissection. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe the surgical details of endoscopic interdigital neurectomy. This is an endoscopic approach involving interdigital nerve excision with intermetatarsal ligament division and submuscular transposition.

Corticosteroid Injection for the Treatment of Morton's Neuroma: A Prospective, Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

The effectiveness of corticosteroid injection for the treatment of Morton's neuroma is unclear. In addition, most of the studies related to it are case-control or retrospective case series. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness between corticosteroid injection associated with local anesthetic and local anesthetic alone (placebo control group) for the treatment of Morton's neuroma. Forty-one patients with a diagnosis of Morton's neuroma were randomized to receive 3 injections of either a corticosteroid plus a local anesthetic or a local anesthetic alone. The patients and the researcher who collected data were blinded to the treatment groups. The visual analog scale for pain and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Score (metatarsophalangeal/interphalangeal score) were obtained at baseline, after each injection, and at 3 and 6 months after the last injection. There were no significant between-group differences in terms of pain and function improvement at 3 and 6 months after treatment completion in comparison with baseline values. At the end of the study, 17 (48.5%) patients requested surgical excision of the neuroma: 7 (44%) in the experimental group and 10 (53%) in the control group ( P = 1.0). The injection of a corticosteroid plus a local anesthetic was not superior to a local anesthetic alone in terms of pain and function improvement in patients with Morton's neuroma. Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Three Cycles of Radiofrequency Ablation Are More Efficacious Than Two in the Management of Morton's Neuroma.

Morton's neuroma is a common cause of forefoot pain. Outcomes of conservative therapy are mixed and many patients undergo operative intervention. Radiofrequency ablation has recently gained favor as a treatment option, although the optimal regime is unknown. This study investigates the effectiveness of 2 versus 3 cycles of radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of Morton's neuroma. We surveyed a cohort of patients with Morton's neuroma who had progressed to radiofrequency ablation after failed conservative treatment. Patients received either 2 or 3 cycles of radiofrequency ablation by a single surgeon. We assessed patients based on their change in numerical pain rating scale, symptom improvement, complications, and progression to surgical excision through a series of telephone interviews. Outcomes between the 2 treatment arms were compared by parametric tests. Twenty-eight patients were included in the study. Eighteen patients with 21 neuromas received 2 cycles and 10 patients with 11 neuromas received 3 cycles. Mean time of follow-up was 12.9 months. Overall, 88% of patients were either very or moderately satisfied with their outcome. In patients who received 2 cycles mean numerical pain scores decreased from 7.9 ± 1.1 to 3.4 ± 2.4 postprocedure. Three patients progressed to operative excision. In patients who received 3 cycles, numerical pain scores decreased from 8.0 ± 1.0 to 1.5 ± 2.0 postprocedure. One patient progressed to operative excision. Patients who received 3 cycles had reduced medium-term pain postoperatively compared with 2 cycles (3.4 ± 2.4 vs 1.5 ± 2.0, P = .011). Radiofrequency ablation provides a high rate of patient satisfaction in the treatment of Morton's neuroma with few side effects. It appears that 3 cycles may be superior to 2 cycles but a randomized controlled trial will be required to confirm these results. Intervention, Level III: Comparative study without concurrent controls.

The Role of Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Morton's Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a condition of the common plantar digital nerve in the forefoot. It is chronic neuralgia caused by nerve degeneration. A focal enlargement of the nerve may be observed and patients often complain of the feeling of stepping on a pebble. Although it is clinically diagnosed, this article will investigate the use of ultrasound for diagnostic and treatment purposes. The pathology is often a secondary finding to a plantar digital nerve impingement, caused by multiple factors which will be discussed in this paper. Acknowledging the anatomy, transducer placement, sonographic features and variations will provide an accurate diagnosis and patients will be better managed.

Update on Ultrasound-Guided Interventional Procedures on Peripheral Nerves.

This article is a practical review update on ultrasound (US)-guided interventional procedures on peripheral nerves. Technical considerations, biopsy techniques, and some examples of injections are described. US is considered a safe imaging guidance for interventional procedures, due to its high spatial resolution and the possibility to image the needle and inject drugs in real time. US-guided injections could be considered a diagnostic and therapeutic option in the most common neuropathy, before or as an alternative to surgery. US-guided injection techniques in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, meralgia paresthetica, and Morton neuroma are reviewed. US-guided injections of the iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal, genitofemoral, and pudendal nerve are also illustrated. Knowledge of anatomy is crucial; therefore a brief description of the courses of anatomical nerves and clinical notes are also reported. Treatment of stump neuromas treatment was excluded.

Ultrasound Evaluation of Morton Neuroma Before and After Laser Therapy.

The objective of our study was to retrospectively assess for differences in imaging appearances of Morton neuromas before and after laser therapy using diagnostic ultrasound (US). A retrospective review was performed to identify patients who underwent US imaging to evaluate for Morton neuroma during the study period (June 1, 2013-July 1, 2014); of the 42 patients identified, 21 underwent US evaluations before and after laser therapy. US reports and images were reviewed and correlated with clinical history. The final study group consisted of 21 patients who had a total of 31 Morton neuromas evaluated using US after treatment. A retrospective review was then performed to characterize the appearances of these lesions before and after therapy followed by an analysis of variables. Retrospective US review of 31 pretreatment Morton neuromas showed fusiform, heterogeneously hypoechoic masses with well-defined borders in most cases and that pain was reported when transducer pressure was applied in 97% (30/31) of cases. After treatment, lesions showed ill-defined borders (23/31), and pain with application of transducer pressure was either significantly decreased or absent (29/31); these findings were concordant with the clinical findings. Both of these characteristics were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). In addition, more Morton neuromas occurred in the second intermetatarsal space than in the third intermetatarsal space (p < 0.0001). US may be used to identify posttreatment changes after laser therapy of Morton neuromas. Posttreatment changes include ill-defined borders and less pain or the absence of pain with the application of transducer pressure. These criteria may be applied in future clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of laser therapy for Morton neuroma.

Radiographic Analysis of Feet With and Without Morton's Neuroma.

The aim of this research was to investigate the association of various structural measurements of the forefoot with Morton's neuroma (MN). Weightbearing anteroposterior and lateral foot radiographs of subjects attending the University of Western Australia (UWA) Podiatry Clinic and the first author's private practice were included in this study. A single assessor measured the following angles: lateral intermetatarsal angle (LIMA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle (HVA), digital divergence between the second and third digits (DD23), digital divergence between the third and fourth digits (DD34) and relative metatarsal lengths of the first to fifth metatarsals (Met1-5), and the effect of MN size as measured by ultrasonograph on digital divergence. Intratester reliability of all radiographic measurements was assessed on all radiographic measurements. The study included 101 subjects, of whom 69 were diagnosed with MN and 32 were control subjects without MN. The mean (± standard deviation) age of MN subjects was 52 (±15) years and for control subjects, 48 (±12) years. When comparing all feet, there were no significant differences in the LIMA, HVA, IMA, digital divergence angles and the relative metatarsal distances between subjects with MN and control subjects. No relationship between MN size and digital divergence was found in either foot, or in either neuroma location. We were unable to demonstrate any relationship in this study between radiographic metatarsal length and angular measurements in a symptomatic MN group compared to a control group. In addition, we did not find any correlation between the size of MN as measured from ultrasonographic images and radiographic evidence of digital divergence. Level III, case control study.

Sonography of Morton Neuromas: What Are We Really Looking At?

To determine what accounts for the sonographic appearance of a Morton neuroma by correlating preoperative sonograms with the sonographic appearance of the resected surgical specimen, the surgical findings, and the pathologic examination. Ten Morton neuromas that had preoperative sonograms underwent postoperative specimen sonography and histologic evaluation. The appearance and size of the neuromas were compared between the preoperative and postoperative specimen images and were compared to the surgical and pathologic appearances. Preoperative images showed a fibrillar echogenic nerve coursing into a heterogeneous hypoechoic mass measuring 14.3 mm in average length (range, 9.0-24.0 mm) that contained a round, mildly echogenic mass within it measuring 7.6 mm in average length (range, 4.5-12.0 mm). Surgically, the specimens showed scarred intermetatarsal bursas and tangled vessels surrounding the nerve. Specimen sonography showed echogenic focal enlargement of the nerve at the site of the neuroma, measuring 6.8 mm in average length (range, 3.5-11.0 mm). The size of the resected neuroma was smaller than the hypoechoic mass on the presurgical images (P < .001). Within the hypoechoic mass, the small echogenic focus showed no difference in size compared to the specimen (P = .40), but the shape of the echogenic specimen was fusiform, whereas the preoperative appearance was round. Histologically, the resected specimens showed sclerosis and mucoid degeneration of the nerve fascicles and fibrotic thickening of the perineurium. The hypoechoic heterogeneous mass that is referred to as a Morton neuroma sonographically is really a "neuroma-bursal complex" that is much larger than the actual neuroma itself.

CT and MR Imaging of the Postoperative Ankle and Foot.

A variety of surgical procedures exist for repair of both traumatic and degenerative osseous and soft-tissue pathologic conditions involving the foot and ankle. It is necessary for the radiologist to be familiar with these surgical procedures, so as to assess structural integrity, evaluate for complicating features, and avoid diagnostic pitfalls. Adequate interpretation of postoperative changes often requires access to surgical documentation to evaluate not only the surgery itself but the expected timeline for resolution of normal postoperative changes versus progressive disease. Appropriate use of surgical language in radiology reports is another important skill set to hone and is instrumental in providing a high-quality report to the referring surgeons. The pathophysiology of a myriad of surgical complaints, beginning from the Achilles tendon and concluding at the plantar plate, are presented, as are their common appearances at computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Commonly encountered entities include Achilles tendon tear, spastic equinus, nonspastic equinus, talar dome osteochondral defect, tarsal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, pes planovalgus, pes cavovarus, peroneal tendinosis, lateral ligament complex pathology, Morton neuroma, plantar plate tear, and metatarsophalangeal joint instability. Computer-generated three-dimensional models are included with many of the procedures to provide a more global view of the surgical anatomy. Correlation with intraoperative photographs is made when available. When appropriate, discussion of postoperative complications, including entities such as infection and failure of graft integration, is presented, although a comprehensive review of postoperative complications is beyond the scope of this article. Notably absent from the current review are some common foot and ankle procedures including hallux valgus and hammertoe corrections, as these are more often evaluated radiographically than with cross-sectional imaging. ©RSNA, 2016.

Imaging of Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Joint Plantar Plate Degeneration, Tear, and Repair.

Plantar plate degeneration and tear is a common cause of forefoot pain, typically involving the second metatarsophalangeal joint at the proximal phalangeal insertion laterally, frequently confused with the second web space Morton neuroma. The condition has received increased attention with the development of surgical techniques that can result in successful repair of the plantar plate and substantial improvement in patient symptoms. High-resolution MRI or ultrasound can confirm a diagnosis of plantar plate degeneration and tear and exclude other pathologies, particularly Morton neuroma. The normal plantar plate is a mildly hyperechoic structure on ultrasound and is hypointense on all conventional MR sequences. Plantar plate degeneration manifests on ultrasound as hypoechoic echotextural change and on MRI as mild signal hyperintensity on short TE sequences, becoming less conspicuous on long TE sequences. Adjacent entheseal bony irregularity is commonly present. Plantar plate tears on ultrasound may be seen as an anechoic cleft defect or area of heterogeneous echotexture, sometimes more conspicuous with dorsiflexion stress. Plantar plate tears demonstrate greater signal hyperintensity on proton-density sequences, becoming more conspicuous on fat-suppressed proton density and T2-weighted sequences. Edema and fibrotic change in the pericapsular fat plane is commonly seen in the setting of an adjacent plantar plate tear and should not be misinterpreted as reflecting a Morton neuroma.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of injected capsaicin for pain in Morton's neuroma.

Intermetatarsal neuroma or Morton's neuroma is a painful condition of the foot resulting from an entrapment of the common digital nerve typically in the third intermetatarsal space. The pain can be severe and especially problematic with walking. Treatment options are limited and surgery may lead to permanent numbness in the toes. Capsaicin, the pungent ingredient of hot peppers, produces analgesia by inducing retraction of nociceptive afferents from the area of innervation and is effective in treating certain neuropathic pain disorders. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted to test the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of a single 0.1 mg dose of capsaicin vs placebo injected into the region of the neuroma. A total of 58 subjects diagnosed with Morton's neuroma with foot pain ≥4 (0-10 numerical pain rating scale) were injected with 2 mL of lidocaine into the intermetatarsal space proximal to the neuroma to provide local anesthesia. After 5 minutes, 0.1 mg capsaicin or placebo was injected into the intermetatarsal space containing the painful neuroma. Average foot pain was rated for 2 weeks before through 4 weeks after injection. At weeks 1 and 4, the decrease in pain was significantly greater in the subjects treated with capsaicin (P = 0.021 and P = 0.019, respectively). A trend toward significance was noted at weeks 2 and 3. Improvements in functional interference scores and reductions in oral analgesic use were also seen in the capsaicin-treated group. These findings suggest that injection of capsaicin is an efficacious treatment option for patients with painful intermetatarsal neuroma.

Alcoholization of Mortons neuroma under MRI, fluoroscopic and neurographic guidance

Alcoholization of Mortons neuroma under MRI, fluoroscopic and neurographic guidance

Percutaneous MR-Guided Cryoablation of Morton's Neuroma: Rationale and Technical Details After the First 20 Patients.

The purpose of this study is to discuss technical aspects and rationales of magnetic resonance (MR)-guided cryoablation (CA) of Morton's neuroma (MN); preliminary clinical experience is also retrospectively reviewed. Procedures were performed under local anaesthesia on an outpatient basis. Lesion size and location, procedural (technical success, procedural time, complications) and clinical outcomes (patient satisfaction according to a four-point scale, residual pain according to a 0-10 visual analogue scale and instances of "stump neuroma") were assessed via chart review and cross-sectional telephone survey after the 20th case. Twenty patients (15 female, 5 male; mean age 50.3years) were included; 24 MN (mean size 12.7mm) were treated. Technical success was 100%. Mean procedural time was 40.9±10.4min (range 35-60). One minor complication (superficial cellulitis) was reported (4.2%). Follow-up (mean 19.7months) was available for 18/24 MN. Patient satisfaction on a per-lesion basis was as follows: "completely satisfied" in 77.7%, "satisfied with minor reservations" in 16.6% and "satisfied with major reservations" in 5.7% of cases. Mean pain score at last follow-up post-CA was 3.0. No instances of "stump neuroma" were reported. MR-guided CA of MN is a novel therapy which appears technically feasible. Clinical advantages of the procedure are high patient satisfaction, reduced risk of "stump neuroma" syndrome and good patient tolerance on an outpatient basis. Further, prospective studies are needed to confirm these encouraging results.

Intervencionismo en musculoesquelético. Ecografía y tac

We aim to describe imaging-guided (ultrasound and CT) interventional techniques in the musculoskeletal system that can be performed by general radiologists, whether in hospitals, primary care clinics, private offices, or other settings.The first requirement for doing these procedures is adequate knowledge of the anatomy of the musculoskeletal system. The second requirement is to inform the patient thoroughly about the technique, the risks involved, and the alternatives available in order to obtain written informed consent. The third requirement is to ensure that the procedure is performed in accordance with the principles of asepsis in relation to the puncture zone and to all the material employed throughout the procedure.The main procedures that can be done under ultrasound guidance are the following: fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), core needle biopsy (CNB), diagnostic and/or therapeutic arthrocentesis, drainage of juxta-articular fluid collections, drainage of abscesses, drainage of hematomas, treatment of Baker's cyst, treatment of ganglia, treatment of bursitis, infiltrations and treatment of plantar fasciitis, plantar fibrosis, epicondylitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and Morton's neuroma, puncture and lavage of calcifications in calcifying tendinopathy. We also review the following CT-guided procedures: diagnosis of spondylodiscitis, FNAC of metastases, arthrography, drainages. Finally, we also mention more complex procedures that can only be done in appropriate settings: bone biopsies, treatment of facet joint pain, radiofrequency treatment.

Dorsal Approach for Excision of Morton's Neuroma: A Midterm Follow-up Study

Dorsal Approach for Excision of Morton's Neuroma: A Midterm Follow-up Study

Excision With Interpositional Nerve Grafting: An Alternative Technique for the Treatment of Morton Neuroma.

"Morton neuroma" is a common cause of forefoot pain with numbness frequently occurring in the distribution of the third common digital nerve. After the failure of nonoperative measures, decompression with excision of the neuroma is common practice. Residual numbness and recurrent pain has been reported as a consequence of this treatment option. This study describes excision of the neuroma with interpositional nerve grafting as a treatment option for Morton neuroma. This proposed technique has the benefit of reducing pain, reducing recurrent secondary neuromas and restoring postexcision sensory deficits. A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent elective primary excision of a Morton neuroma with interpositional nerve grafting was undertaken. Patient demographics, surgical technique, and clinical outcomes, such as pain, neuroma recurrence, 2-point discrimination, numbness, and weight-bearing status at minimum of 1 year postoperation, are reported. Eight patients (9 neuromas) underwent excision of the Morton neuroma with interpositional nerve grafting after failing nonoperative measures. At final follow-up, all patients had improvement of pain and there were no neuroma recurrences. Sensation to the grafted hemi-toe returned in all but 1 case. All patients returned to full weight-bearing status. Although no major complications were reported, wound dehiscence secondary to a hematoma occurred in 1 case. Excision and interpositional nerve grafting is an effective treatment for Morton neuroma as it alleviates pain, numbness and restores sensation with minimal morbidity and complications.

Corticosteroid injection for Morton's neuroma with or without ultrasound guidance: a randomised controlled trial.

The objective of this double-blind randomised controlled trial was to assess whether ultrasound guidance improved the efficacy of corticosteroid injections for Morton's neuroma (MN). In all, 50 feet (40 patients) were recruited for this study but five feet were excluded due to the patients declining further participation. The mean age of the remaining 36 patients (45 feet) was 57.8 years (standard deviation (sd) 12.9) with a female preponderance (33F:12M). All patients were followed-up for 12 months. Treatment was randomised to an ultrasound guided (Group A) or non-ultrasound guided (Group B) injection of 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide and 2 ml 1% lignocaine, following ultrasound confirmation of the diagnosis. The mean visual analogue score for pain improved significantly in both groups (Group A - from 64 mm, sd 25 mm to 29 mm, sd 27; Group B - from 69 mm, sd 23 mm to 37 mm, sd 25) with no statistical difference between them at all time-points. The failure rate within 12 months of treatment was 11/23 (48%) and 12/22 (55%) in Groups A and B, respectively (p = 0.458). The improvement in Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire Index and patient satisfaction favoured Group A in the short-term (three months) that almost reached statistical significance (p = 0.059 and 0.066 respectively). However, this difference was not observed beyond three months. This study has shown that ultrasound guidance did not demonstrably improve the efficacy of corticosteroid injections in patients with MN. In the presence of a clear diagnosis of MN, a trained clinician who understands the forefoot anatomy may perform an injection without ultrasound guidance with good and safe results.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in Patients with Morton's Neuroma A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for the treatment of Morton's neuroma by measuring changes in patient pain, function, and neuroma size. Patients with Morton's neuroma were randomly assigned to either the ESWT group or the sham stimulation group. Outcome measures, including visual analog scale (VAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society lesser toes (AOFAS) scores, were assessed at baseline and 1 and 4 weeks after treatment. The Johnson satisfaction test was also performed 1 and 4 weeks after treatment. The neuroma diameter was measured using ultrasonography at baseline and 4 weeks after treatment. Patients receiving ESWT exhibited significantly decreased VAS scores 1 and 4 weeks after treatment relative to baseline, and AOFAS scores were significantly improved 4 weeks after treatment relative to baseline. In the sham stimulation group, VAS and AOFAS scores showed no significant changes at any time after treatment. Neither group showed significant changes in Johnson satisfaction test results or neuroma diameter. These results suggest that ESWT may reduce pain in patients with Morton's neuroma.

Percutaneous alcohol injection under sonographic guidance in Morton's neuroma: follow-up in 220 treated lesions.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous treatment of Civinini-Morton's syndrome due to solitary Morton's neuroma and analyze the effect of clinico-demographic factors on outcome. Alcohol injection was performed under sonographic guidance in 220 consecutive patients. Pain intensity using a numerical rating scale (NRS), pain features, limitation of everyday activities and comorbidity with other forefoot conditions were evaluated at presentation. Patients were reassessed for symptoms and the need of rescue therapy with neurectomy after a mean follow-up of 19.0months (range 15-24). We treated 220 patients (33 males, mean age 55.8years). Neuromas were located in the III intermetatarsal space in 85.5%, with a mean size of 5.4mm. When considering a reduction of pain intensity of≥50% of NRS or a complete disappearance of the neuropathic features as a satisfactory clinical response, a 72.3% (p<0.001) responder rate was obtained, and only three patients relapsed (1.2%). An improvement in limitation of everyday activities was observed in 88.6% (p<0.001). No influence of clinico-demographic variables on outcome was found. No major complications occurred. Patients with unsatisfactory response had an overload-related comorbid condition in 20/61 (32.8%). Surgery was later performed in 14 non-responder patients. Ultrasound-guided alcoholization demonstrated a safe profile, relieved neuropathic symptoms in a majority of patients and improved their quality of life. Rescue therapy with surgery is feasible in patients with unsatisfactory response. However, a thorough evaluation for forefoot comorbidities should be obtained, as they may act as confounding factors.

Long-Term Results of Neurectomy Through a Dorsal Approach in the Treatment of Morton's Neuroma.

Morton's neuroma, a painful enlargement of the plantar digital nerve between the metatarsal heads, is a common cause of metatarsalgia. The etiology and treatment are still a controversial matter. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term follow-up results of neurectomy through a dorsal approach and to identify prognostic factors that can affect the final outcome. The study included 41 patients who were treated for Morton's neuroma. Their average age was 44 years (range: 25-69 years). The average follow-up time was 7.4 years (range: 5-12 years). Surgery was performed through a dorsal approach. The clinical evaluations, visual analog scale (VAS) scores and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were assessed. The mean preoperative AOFAS score was 39.4 ± 7.84 and the mean postoperative AOFAS score was 83.4 ± 12.1. The mean preoperative VAS scale was 7.04 ± 1.4 and the mean postoperative VAS scale was 1.4 ± 0.8. There were 31 patients (76%) with very good results in the subjective and objective patient assessments; six (15%) had good results; one (2%) had satisfactory results and three (7%) had poor results. Statistically significant differences in the results between single and multiple neuromas were found, depending on the size of the neuromas and the duration of the symptoms. There were no statistically significant differences depending on the time between surgery and assessment, on steroid injections before operation or on the duration of preoperative conservative treatment. Despite the development of less invasive techniques and very good outcomes in a short period of time, long-term results have shown that neurectomy is still useful in the treatment of Morton's neuroma. The results of the study show that the outcome does not change during the postoperative follow-up period. The best results were achieved in the case of single neuromas larger than 3 mm that were resected within 12 months of the onset of symptoms.