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AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology Feb 2017The objective of our study was to retrospectively assess for differences in imaging appearances of Morton neuromas before and after laser therapy using diagnostic...
OBJECTIVE
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).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
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.
RESULTS
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).
CONCLUSION
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.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Laser Therapy; Male; Middle Aged; Morton Neuroma; Preoperative Care; Reproducibility of Results; Retrospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 27897032
DOI: 10.2214/AJR.16.16403 -
Foot & Ankle International Apr 2021The objective of this study was to evaluate the medium-term results of corticosteroid injections for Morton's neuroma.
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study was to evaluate the medium-term results of corticosteroid injections for Morton's neuroma.
METHODS
This was a prospective follow-up study of a previous randomized controlled trial (RCT). Forty-five neuromas in 36 patients were injected with a single corticosteroid injection either with or without ultrasound guidance. As the results of the RCT showed no difference in outcomes between techniques, the data were pooled for the purpose of this study. Questionnaires were sent out and responses were collected via mail or telephone interview. Results were available in 42 out of 45 neuromas. There was a sex split of 68% female/32% male with a mean age of 62.6 years (SD, 12 years).
RESULTS
At mean follow-up of 4.8 years (SD, 0.91 years), the original corticosteroid injection remained effective in 36% ( = 16) of the patients. In these cases, the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score ( < .001) and Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire Index (MOxFQ Index) ( = .001) remained significantly better than preintervention scores. The remaining cases underwent either a further injection or surgery. Fifty-five percent of the 11 neuromas that received a second injection continued to be asymptomatic in the medium term. Overall, 44% ( = 20) of the initial cohort underwent surgical excision by the medium-term follow-up. The VAS score, MOxFQ Index, and satisfaction scale score across all groups were not significantly different.
CONCLUSION
Corticosteroid injections for Morton's neuroma remained effective in over a third of cases for up to almost 5 years. A positive outcome at 1 year following a corticosteroid injection was reasonably predictive of a prolonged effect from the injection.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level II, prospective comparative study.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Morton Neuroma; Neuroma; Prospective Studies; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 33106028
DOI: 10.1177/1071100720966332 -
JBJS Essential Surgical Techniques 2023Painful neuromas of the foot and ankle frequently pose a treatment dilemma because of persistent pain or recurrence after resection. Primary surgical treatment of...
BACKGROUND
Painful neuromas of the foot and ankle frequently pose a treatment dilemma because of persistent pain or recurrence after resection. Primary surgical treatment of painful neuromas includes simple excision with retraction of the residual nerve ending to a less vulnerable location. The use of a collagen conduit for recurrent neuromas is advantageous, particularly in areas with minimal soft-tissue coverage options, and is a technique that has shown 85% patient satisfaction regarding surgical outcomes. Additionally, the use of a collagen conduit limits the need for deep soft-tissue dissection and reduces the morbidity typically associated with nerve burial.
DESCRIPTION
Specific steps include appropriate physical examination, preoperative planning, and supine patient positioning. The patient is placed supine with a lower-extremity bolster under the ipsilateral extremity in order to allow improved visualization of the plantar surface of the foot. A nonsterile tourniquet is placed on the thigh. The incision site is marked out, and a longitudinal plantar incision is made until proximal healthy nerve is identified-typically approximately 1 to 2 cm, but the incision can be extended up to 6 cm. The incision is made between the metatarsals, with blunt dissection carried down to the neuroma. The neuroma is sharply excised distally through healthy nerve, and a whip stitch is placed to facilitate the collagen conduit placement. The collagen conduit is passed dorsally into the intermetatarsal space and secured to the dorsal fascia of the foot. The wound is closed with 3-0 nylon horizontal mattress sutures. Postoperatively, a soft dressing is applied to the operative extremity, and patients are advised to be non-weight-bearing for two weeks. At two weeks, patients begin partial weight-bearing with use of a boot, and physical therapy is initiated. No antibiotics are necessary, and 300 mg of gabapentin is prescribed and tapered off by the six-week follow-up visit. Follow-ups are conducted at 2, 6, 12, 24, and fifty-two weeks. It is necessary to monitor for signs and symptoms of infection, surgical complications, and neuroma recurrence during follow-up appointments.
ALTERNATIVES
Simple excision of the neuroma with proximal burial into muscle or bone is a common surgical technique. However, inadequate resection of the nerve or poor surgical technique can lead to recurrent neuromas. For neuromas not responding to simple excision, other techniques have been utilized, including cauterization, chemical agents, nerve capping, and muscle or bone burial. The results of these techniques have varied, and none has gained clinical superiority over the other.
RATIONALE
A study analyzing the use of collagen conduits for painful neuromas of the foot and ankle has shown this technique to be a safe and successful alternative to the previously discussed methods of resection. That study by Gould et al. found that 85% of patients had a substantial reduction in pain, with mean visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores reducing from 8 to 10 preoperatively to 0 to 4 postoperatively. Moreover, alternative biological conduits, such as the greater saphenous vein, have proven to be costly in time and resources, as this structure is often utilized in cardiovascular bypass surgery and its harvest conveys a risk of iatrogenic nerve injury to the patient.Numerous studies focusing on excision of recurrent Morton neuromas via a plantar approach have found variable success rates. Of the patients surveyed in those studies, 75% reported substantial pain improvement. However, <50% of these queried patients reported complete pain relief. Studies analyzing the dorsal approach for revision Morton neuroma excision found similar success rates. Approximately 78% of patients reported good or excellent postoperative outcomes, and significant improvements were observed in patient postoperative Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores for pain interference, intensity, and global physical health. One study comparing outcomes following plantar versus dorsal approaches for recurrent Morton neuroma found no significant difference in postoperative patient outcomes. That study suggested that surgeons utilize the approach with which they are most comfortable. Gould et al. reported an 85% success rate with collagen conduit, which was similar to if not slightly improved compared with the other prior studies. The utilization of a collagen conduit technique thus offers comparable patient outcomes for patients with difficult neuromas.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Recurrent neuroma resection with the use of a collagen conduit has proven to provide satisfactory patient outcomes regarding pain and neuritis symptoms. The goal of any neuroma resection is to greatly diminish or entirely eliminate nerve pain. Based on the available evidence, there has been no proven clinical superiority of any particular technique over the others. However, in the present example case, the location of the patient's neuroma in this video makes it 85% likely that the patient will report satisfactory outcomes and 50% likely that the patient will be entirely symptom-free. At two weeks postoperatively, the patient reported well controlled pain, absence of burning or tingling sensation, full range of movement in the foot, and intact sensation throughout all major nerve distributions, including the saphenous; superficial peroneal nerve; deep peroneal nerve; and sural, medial, and lateral plantar nerves. However, sensation is absent distal to the site of a neuroma resection.
IMPORTANT TIPS
Careful preoperative planting is of utmost importance.Ruling out other potential pathologies is necessary to ensure proper outcomes.Meticulous dissection should be carried out, with delicate handling of the proximal nerve ending.Excision of the nerve should be done sharply through the healthy portion of the nerve.Appropriate sizing of the nerve conduit (with a commercially available industry sizer) should be performed.The nerve conduit should be passed dorsally and secured to the dorsal fascia without any tension.
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
MRI = magnetic resonance imagingUS = ultrasoundVAS = visual analog scale.
PubMed: 38357467
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.ST.22.00065 -
Radiology Jun 2010To evaluate the prevalence of postoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients after resection of Morton neuroma.
PURPOSE
To evaluate the prevalence of postoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients after resection of Morton neuroma.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study was approved by the institutional review board. Informed consent was obtained from each participant. Fifty-eight consecutive patients (46 women, 12 men) who had undergone resection of a painful Morton neuroma (90 Morton neuromas were removed in 66 feet), pre- and postoperative MR imaging, and clinical follow-up for a minimum of 2 years after surgery were identified. Two experienced musculoskeletal radiologists evaluated MR images with regard to the presence of presumed recurrent Morton neuroma, scar, or intermetatarsal bursitis. The prevalence of abnormalities in asymptomatic and symptomatic intermetatarsal spaces was determined. The results of the second radiologist were used only to determine interobserver reliability. The kappa statistics were obtained to assess interobserver agreement. Seven patients with presumed recurrent Morton neuroma underwent repeat surgery.
RESULTS
Clinically speaking, 68 intermetatarsal spaces (44 of 58 patients [76%], 47 feet) were asymptomatic at follow-up and 22 (14 of 58 patients [24%], 19 feet) were symptomatic. A presumed Morton neuroma was found in 18 (26%) of the asymptomatic spaces and 11 (50%) of the symptomatic spaces. A presumed scar was found in six (9%) of the asymptomatic spaces and two (9%) of the symptomatic spaces. A presumed intermetatarsal bursitis was found in six (9%) of the asymptomatic spaces and six (27%) of the symptomatic spaces. Interobserver agreement for presumed recurrent Morton neuroma was substantial (kappa = 0.64). Histologic examination of presumed recurrent Morton neuroma revealed fibrous tissue but no sign of peripheral neural tissue.
CONCLUSION
MR imaging after Morton neuroma resection commonly reveals Morton neuroma-like abnormalities in asymptomatic and symptomatic intermetatarsal spaces.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Female; Foot Diseases; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Neuroma; Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms; Statistics, Nonparametric; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 20501722
DOI: 10.1148/radiol.10091531 -
Foot & Ankle Specialist Aug 2022Although the precise pathoetiology of Morton's neuroma remains unclear, chronic nerve entrapment from the overlying intermetatarsal ligament (IML) may play a role....
BACKGROUND
Although the precise pathoetiology of Morton's neuroma remains unclear, chronic nerve entrapment from the overlying intermetatarsal ligament (IML) may play a role. Traditional operative management entails neuroma excision but risks unpredictable formation of stump neuroma.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Medical records were examined for adult patients who failed at least 3 months of conservative treatment for symptomatic and recalcitrant Morton's neuroma and who then underwent isolated IML decompression without neuroma resection.
RESULTS
A total of 12 patients underwent isolated IML decompression for Morton's neuroma with an average follow-up of 13.5 months. Visual Analog Pain Scale averaged 6.4 ± 1.8 (4-9) preoperatively and decreased to an average of 2 ± 2.1 (0-7) at final follow-up (P = .002). All patients reported significant improvement.
CONCLUSION
Isolated IML release of chronically symptomatic Morton's neuroma shows promising short-term results regarding pain relief, with no demonstrated risk of recurrent neuroma formation, permanent numbness, or postoperative symptom exacerbation.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
.
Topics: Adult; Foot; Humans; Ligaments, Articular; Morton Neuroma; Neuroma; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 32954808
DOI: 10.1177/1938640020957851 -
Foot & Ankle International Jan 2015Ultrasonography-guided alcohol injection (USGAI) of Morton's neuroma represents an alternative to operative treatment. Nonetheless, the literature only reports few small...
BACKGROUND
Ultrasonography-guided alcohol injection (USGAI) of Morton's neuroma represents an alternative to operative treatment. Nonetheless, the literature only reports few small studies evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment. The aim of the present retrospective study was to assess the effectiveness of USGAI to treat Morton's neuroma in 508 patients at 2 medical centers.
METHODS
Between January 2001 and January 2012, 508 patients with 540 Morton's neuroma had USGAI for Morton's neuroma. Only second and third web-space neuromas were included in this study.
RESULTS
A mean number of 3.0 (range, 1 to 4) injections were performed for each neuroma. Mean local inflammatory reaction was 0.7 (range, 0 to 2). There were no other local or systemic complications. The overall mean pre-USGAI VAS score was 8.7 (range, 6 to 10), while the post-USGAI VAS score at 1 year was 3.6 (range, 0 to 9). The delta VAS between the pre- and post-USGAI was statistically significant (P < .0001). At 1-year follow-up 74.5% of patients were satisfied with the procedure.
CONCLUSION
USGAI produced encouraging results in over 500 patients affected by Morton's neuroma. The procedure proved to be safe in all patients.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level IV, retrospective case series.
Topics: Ablation Techniques; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ethanol; Female; Humans; Injections, Intralesional; Male; Metatarsalgia; Middle Aged; Nerve Compression Syndromes; Neuroma; Pain Measurement; Retrospective Studies; Surgery, Computer-Assisted; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 25367249
DOI: 10.1177/1071100714551386 -
Seminars in Musculoskeletal Radiology Sep 2010This review article describes the postoperative magnetic resonance (MR) findings relating to surgery after tendon repair, ligament repair, and Morton's neuroma... (Review)
Review
This review article describes the postoperative magnetic resonance (MR) findings relating to surgery after tendon repair, ligament repair, and Morton's neuroma resection. The normal postoperative tendon is commonly thickened, showing signal changes that are most pronounced 3 to 6 months after surgery. Two years after tendon suture, the signal intensity should be low on T2-weighted images. The focus of the postoperative MR imaging after ankle repair is to detect the normal condition after the various surgical procedures (e.g., Broström, Watson-Jones, Evans, or Chrisman-Snook). The repaired ligament has to be visible, low signal intense on T2-weighted MR images, and the shape should be homogeneous. A high rate (26%) of so-called Morton's neuroma recurrences is seen in asymptomatic individuals after Morton's neuroma resection. Postoperatively, intermetatarsal bursitis MR abnormalities are more commonly encountered in symptomatic intermetatarsal spaces than in asymptomatic intermetatarsal spaces.
Topics: Achilles Tendon; Ankle; Artifacts; Fasciitis, Plantar; Foot; Foot Diseases; Humans; Ligaments; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Neuroma; Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms; Postoperative Period; Tendons
PubMed: 20539960
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1254524 -
Foot & Ankle International Sep 2019Recent studies have demonstrated that clinical diagnosis of Morton's neuroma is highly correlated with operative and histopathologic diagnosis, whereas others have...
BACKGROUND
Recent studies have demonstrated that clinical diagnosis of Morton's neuroma is highly correlated with operative and histopathologic diagnosis, whereas others have questioned the cost-effectiveness of intraoperative histopathology of excised specimens. The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of both preoperative imaging and intraoperative histology in the treatment of Morton's neuroma in making an accurate diagnosis, guiding treatment decisions, and altering clinical outcomes.
METHODS
A retrospective review was performed on all patients who underwent operative resection suspected Morton's neuroma with 4 fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons between 2007 and 2017. Procedures were excluded from the study if the pathology report was not available for review. Diagnoses were made either by clinical examination and/or by the results of preoperative imaging. All pathology reports were reviewed to determine the final diagnosis, considered the "gold standard." Postoperative chart notes were reviewed to determine if any treatment regimen was altered based on the pathology report revealing an alternate diagnosis other than Morton's neuroma. Two hundred eighty-seven procedures in 269 patients with 313 clinically suspected neuromas met inclusion criteria.
RESULTS
Of the 313 suspected neuromas, 309 (98.7%) were confirmed Morton's neuromas on histopathologic examination. For no patient did the results of the pathology report alter the postoperative treatment course. Preoperative imaging results were available for 179 (57.2%) suspected neuromas, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography used to preoperatively image 121 and 71 suspected neuromas, respectively, including 13 using both. The total estimated cost of histopathologic analysis for the cohort was $143 667, and the estimated combined cost of preoperative imaging and intraoperative histopathology in our cohort totaled $278 567.
CONCLUSION
Our study found that the diagnosis of Morton's neuroma could be made clinically with extreme accuracy and positive predictive value, calling into question the utility and costs of other imaging modalities and intraoperative sampling for histopathologic diagnosis.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level IV, retrospective case series.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Morton Neuroma; Pain Measurement; Retrospective Studies; Ultrasonography; Young Adult
PubMed: 31142153
DOI: 10.1177/1071100719851121 -
Foot and Ankle Clinics Jun 2004Endoscopic decompression of the intermetatarsal nerve offers many advantages over other current techniques. Preliminary results in the first 40 patients have been... (Review)
Review
Endoscopic decompression of the intermetatarsal nerve offers many advantages over other current techniques. Preliminary results in the first 40 patients have been excellent with no hematomas or infections; only three patients returned to the operating room for neurectomy.
Topics: Decompression, Surgical; Endoscopy; Foot Diseases; Humans; Neuroma; Peripheral Nerves; Surgical Instruments
PubMed: 15165584
DOI: 10.1016/j.fcl.2003.12.004 -
Journal of the American Podiatric... 2022Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) was first introduced into clinical practice in 1982 and has been a beneficial inclusion to the noninvasive treatment option of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) was first introduced into clinical practice in 1982 and has been a beneficial inclusion to the noninvasive treatment option of numerous orthopaedic pathologies. However, clinical evidence of the use of ESWT for various foot and ankle disorders has been limited with a consensus on its efficacy yet available. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to systematically review the literature, to provide a critical evaluation and meta-analysis for the use of ESWT in foot and ankle disorders.
METHODS
The PubMed and Embase databases were systematically reviewed and clinical studies that reported ESWT use for various foot and ankle disorders included.
RESULTS
A total of 24 clinical studies that included 12 randomized controlled trials and 12 case series were identified. Analysis of the evidence has indicated that ESWT can help manage plantar fasciitis, calcaneal spur, Achilles tendinopathy and Morton's neuroma. Meta-analysis of the change in pre- to post-VAS overall scores for plantar fasciitis significantly favored ESWT compared to placebo/conservative treatment with a MD -3.10 (95% CI, -4.36 to -1.83; I2 = 68%; P < 0.00001).
CONCLUSIONS
The current evidence has suggested that ESWT can provide symptomatic benefit to plantar fasciitis treatment, with minimal and unremarkable side effects. Overall, ESWT has been demonstrated to be a safe treatment option with a favorable complication profile. Further well-designed studies of ESWT for the treatment of calcaneal spurs, Achilles tendinopathy and Morton's neuroma are warranted to more soundly and safely support its current use. Future studies are suggested to investigate the optimization of ESWT treatment protocols.
Topics: Achilles Tendon; Ankle; Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy; Fasciitis, Plantar; Heel Spur; Humans; Morton Neuroma; Tendinopathy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34878537
DOI: 10.7547/18-191