Minimally invasive neurectomy for Morton's neuroma with interdigital approach. Long term results

Foot (Edinb). 2021 Jun:47:101808. doi: 10.1016/j.foot.2021.101808. Epub 2021 Apr 20.

Abstract

Background: "Morton's Neuroma" is a frequent cause of chronic forefoot pain. It can affect general population, including athletes, and can lead to progressive foot pain and discomfort for daily life activities and sports.

Hypothesis/purpose: Our objective is to evaluate the long-term results in a series of 85 feet, operatively treated with minimally invasive interdigital approach for neurectomy.

Study design: Case series.

Method: 83 patients (85 feet) were treated between January 2003 and December 2019. The AOFAS score and VAS scale were used to evaluate the patients pre and postoperatively. Results were analyzed using the JASP software.

Results: Mean age was 50.58 years (range 23-77). Eleven (11) were men, and seventy-four (74) women, with two bilateral cases. Mean follow up was 49 months. Our series was evaluated with AOFAS and VAS scores, both showing statistically significant improvement posterior to the operative procedure.

Conclusions: A series of 85 feet operatively treated for Morton's neuroma with minimally invasive interdigital approach for neurectomy is presented. Long term results were similar to other published series with different approaches, with the advantage of minimal incision, minimum soft tissue dissection and no need to release intermetatarsal ligament, immediate weightbearing and quick return to daily activities and sports. It is concluded that minimally invasive neurectomy with interdigital approach is a safe procedure for Morton's neuroma treatment with similar results that other operative procedures.

Level evidence: Level IV.

Keywords: Interdigital approach; MIS surgery; Minimally invasive approach; Morton’s euroma; Neurectomy.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Denervation
  • Female
  • Foot Diseases* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Morton Neuroma* / surgery
  • Neuroma* / surgery
  • Pain Measurement
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Young Adult