Neurolysis as a surgical procedure for Morton's neuroma.

Abstract

Morton's neuroma is regarded as a type of entrapment neuropathy, therefore, neurolysis as surgical treatment is preferable to neurectomy. We have developed a new surgical procedure which consists of a plantar zigzag incision, incision of the plantar aponeurosis, and microsurgical neurolysis of the interdigital nerve. We have performed this operation on 6 nerves with Morton's neuroma in 5 patients and obtained excellent results. The remaining one nerve showed fair results. Neurectomy of the interdigital nerve has been regarded as the surgical treatment of choice for Morton's neuroma. However, a resection neuroma and permanent sensory deficit are inevitable sequelae after neurectomy. Since Morton's neuroma is considered to be a type of entrapment neuropathy, it is reasonable to think that neurolysis is preferable to neurectomy. We have developed a renewed procedure of microsurgical neurolysis on nerves involved with Morton's neuroma. Using this procedure, we operated 6 nerves with Morton's neuroma on 5 patients and obtained excellent results, which forms the basis of this report.