
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Morton's neuroma surgery
Introduction
Overview
Overview
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
Surgery
- Surgery is the last resort in the treatment of morton’s neuroma and is advised when:
- In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove the thickened tissue/affected nerve in order to help:[1]
Complications after the surgery
- 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
Surgical Approaches
Following two surgical approaches can be used:
| Type of surgical approach | Details |
|---|---|
| Dorsal approach | |
| Plantar approach |
|
Surgical Procedures
| Surgical procedure | Details of the procedure |
|---|---|
| Neurectomy | |
| Cryogenic surgery/Cryogenic neuroablation |
|
| Decompression surgery |
References
References
- ↑ Zanetti M, Saupe N, Espinosa N (2010). “Postoperative MR imaging of the foot and ankle: tendon repair, ligament repair, and Morton’s neuroma resection”. Semin Musculoskelet Radiol. 14 (3): 357–64. doi:10.1055/s-0030-1254524. PMID 20539960.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sara Mohsin, M.D.[2]
