Morton's neuroma surgery

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sara Mohsin, M.D.[2]

Surgery is the last resort in the treatment of morton’s neuroma. In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove the thickened tissue/affected nerve in order to help release the pressure on the affected nerve, relieve the pain and improve foot function. Few complications after surgery are possible and include permanent nonpainful numbness if a portion of the affected nerve is removed, risk of postoperative infection around the toes, incisional soreness, scarring, and recurring stump neuromas. Morton’s neuroma can be removed surgically either via dorsal or plantar approach, with each approach having its own merits and demerits. Depending upon each individual case, different surgical procedures that can be used for the treatment of morton’s neuroma include neurectomy, cryogenic surgery/neuroablation, and decompression surgery.

• Surgery is the last resort in the treatment of morton’s neuroma and is advised when:
  • Other therapies have failed
  • Symptoms persist after 9 to 12 months
• In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove the thickened tissue/affected nerve in order to help:^[1]
  • Release the pressure on the affected nerve by widening the space through which the affected nerve travels
  • Relieve the pain
  • Improve foot function

• If a portion of the affected nerve is removed during the surgery, permanent numbness occurs between the toes, but it’s not painful
• There is a small risk of infection around the toes after surgery
• Incisional soreness
• Scarring
• Recurring stump neuromas

Following two surgical approaches can be used:

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