Abstract
Introduction: Morton’s neuroma is a common cause of foot pain. For this study, we assessed the efficacy of a series of sonographically guided alcohol injections into the lesion.
Method: One hundred and one consecutive patients with Morton’s neuroma were included in this prospective series. An average of 4.1 treatments per person wee administered, and follow-up images were obtained at a mean of 21.1 months after the last treatment (range, 13–34 months).
Results: Technical success was 100%. Partial or total symptom improvement was reported by 94% of the patients, with 84% becoming totally pain-free. The median visual assessed pain score decreased from 8 before treatment to 0 after treatment (p< 0.001). Transitory increased local pain occurred in 17 cases (16.8%). There were no major complications. Thirty patients underwent sonography at 6 months after the last injection and showed a 30% decrease in the size of the neuroma.
Discussion and Conclusion: We conclude that alcohol injection of Morton’s neuroma has a high success rate and is well tolerated. The success rate is acceptable at 84% whilst being associated with a low morbidity. The treatment avoids surgery and allows continued mobility with patients being able to weight bear and perform their usual activities of daily living. We advocate reserving surgical management for non-responders.
Correspondence should be addressed to: D. Singh, BOFAS, c/o BOA, The Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE.
