Recurrent Pain following Interdigital Neurectomy—A Plantar Approach

Abstract

Thirty patients with 39 recurrent interdigital neuromas were evaluated to determine the success of subsequent surgery. Two surgical techniques were used to resect the nerve over a 2.5-year period and their results were compared. One consisted of exposure through the previous dorsal incision and the other of exposure through a transverse plantar incision proximal to the metatarsal heads. Overall results revealed significant improvement for greater than 80% of patients after their final operation. Less than 50% gained complete relief, however, and 58% experienced persistent discomfort in certain types of shoes. The plantar approach offers a simplified, less traumatic exposure of the nerve in a more proximal location. No healing problems were encountered with the proximal plantar incision.