Minimally invasive neurectomy for Morton’s neuroma with interdigital approach. Long term results

Background“Morton’s Neuroma” is a frequent cause of chronic forefoot pain. It can affect general population, including athletes, and can lead to progressive foot pain and discomfort for daily life activities and sports.Hypothesis/purposeOur objective is to evaluate the long-term results in a series of 85 feet, operatively treated with minimally invasive interdigital approach for neurectomy.Study designCase series.Method83 patients (85 feet) were treated between January 2003 and December 2019. The AOFAS score and VAS scale were used to evaluate the patients pre and postoperatively. Results were analyzed using the JASP software.ResultsMean age was 50.58 years (range 23–77). Eleven (11) were men, and seventy-four (74) women, with two bilateral cases. Mean follow up was 49 months. Our series was evaluated with AOFAS and VAS scores, both showing statistically significant improvement posterior to the operative procedure.ConclusionsA series of 85 feet operatively treated for Morton’s neuroma with minimally invasive interdigital approach for neurectomy is presented. Long term results were similar to other published series with different approaches, with the advantage of minimal incision, minimum soft tissue dissection and no need to release intermetatarsal ligament, immediate weightbearing and quick return to daily activities and sports. It is concluded that minimally invasive neurectomy with interdigital approach is a safe procedure for Morton’s neuroma treatment with similar results that other operative procedures.Level evidenceLevel IV.     

Non-surgical treatments for Morton’s neuroma: A systematic review

TitleNon-surgical treatment for Morton’s neuroma: a systematic review.BackgroundMorton’s neuroma (MN) is an entrapment degenerative neuropathy with a strong predilection for the 3rd interdigital web space. The objective of our study was to identify the most significant evidence produced for the non-operative treatment of Morton's neuroma and assess outcomes of these interventions.MethodThe electronic databases Medline, Ovid EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane CENTRAL from inception to October 2018 were searched. Two independent reviewers assessed the quality of the studies using the Modified Coleman Criteria. Statistics were combined across cohort studies to calculate pooled mean results, and improvements in outcomes.ResultsInitial electronic and hand search identified 486 studies. After title and abstract review there were 38 that went on to full-text review. Finally, 22 studies were included in the final review. We identified 9 different non-operative treatment modalities; Corticosteroid injection, Alcohol injection, Extra-corporeal Shockwave therapy (ESWT), Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), Cryoablation, Capsaicin injection, Botulinum toxin, Orthosis and YAG Laser Therapy. Corticosteroid showed a statistically significant reduction in mean VAS over all their studies (p < 0.01), with 50% success at 12 months. Alcohol showed promising short-term pain-relieving results only. Orthotics, Capsaicin injections, Cryoablation, Botulinum toxin, RFA and ESWT did show statistically significant improvements, but with limitation to their application.ConclusionFollowing review, the authors would recommend the use of corticosteroid injections to treat Morton’s neuromas. The authors feel that radio-frequency ablation and cryoablation would benefit from further well designed randomised controlled trials.     

Operative treatment options for Morton’s neuroma other than neurectomy − a systematic review

BackgroundThe effectiveness of operative treatments other than neurectomy for Morton’s neuroma remains debatable despite several reported studies. This review aimed to evaluate the effects of operative treatments for Morton’s neuroma other than neurectomy using an algorithmic approach and a structured critical framework to assess the methodological quality of reported studies.MethodsSeveral electronic databases were searched for articles published until August 2021 that evaluated the outcomes of operative treatments other than neurectomy in patients diagnosed with Morton’s neuroma. Data searches, extraction, analysis, and quality assessments were performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and the clinical outcomes were evaluated using objective, subjective, and negative outcomes; complications; and reoperation rate and type.ResultsAfter reviewing 11,213 studies, 22 studies were finally included. Although a number of studies with high level of evidence are limited, we divided them according to four categories: (1) neurolysis with or without nerve transposition, (2) minimally invasive nerve decompression, (3) metatarsal osteotomy, and (4) additional procedures after nerve transection or neurectomy. All categories showed reliable outcomes except minimally invasive nerve decompression. The proportion of postoperative neurogenic symptoms was lower with neurolysis than with neurectomy.ConclusionWhether the alternative procedures were superior to neurectomy remains unclear as the number of good quality studies was limited. The proportion of postoperative neurogenic symptoms was lower with neurolysis than with neurectomy. Furthermore, performing simultaneous dorsal transposition of the nerve along with neurolysis is more recommended than neurolysis alone. Surgeons should be more careful with minimally invasive deep transverse intermetatarsal ligament release and metatarsal shortening osteotomy as their effectiveness remains inconclusive. Finally, we strongly recommend performing intramuscular embedding or intermuscular transposition of the nerve cutting end if neurectomy or nerve transection is inevitable.Level of evidenceLevel III, systematic review     

Treatment of Morton’s neuroma: A systematic review

Background

The treatment of Morton’s neuroma (MN) can be operative, conservative and infiltrative. Our aim was the evaluation of evidence on outcomes with different types of conservative, infiltrative and surgical treatment in patients affected by primary MN.

Morton’s interdigital neuroma of the foot: A literature review

Morton's neuroma is one of the most common causes of metatarsalgia. Despite this, it remains little studied, as the diagnosis is clinical with no reliable instrumental diagnostics, and each study may deal with incorrect diagnosis or inappropriate treatment, which are difficult to verify. The present literature review crosses all key points, from diagnosis to surgical and nonoperative treatment, and recurrences.Nonoperative treatment is successful in a limited percentage of cases, but it can be adequate in those who want to delay or avoid surgery. Dorsal or plantar approaches were described for surgical treatment, both with strengths and weaknesses that will be scanned.Failures are related to wrong diagnosis, wrong interspace, failure to divide the transverse metatarsal ligament, too distal resection of common plantar digital nerve, an association of tarsal tunnel syndrome and incomplete removal. A deep knowledge of the causes and presentation of failures is needed to surgically face recurrences.     

Rheumatoid nodule presenting as Morton’s neuroma

Among 101 feet that presented with symptoms and signs similar to Morton’s neuroma, intermetatarsal rheumatoid nodules were found in five feet (three patients). Two patients had bilateral involvement. Histology of the excised tissue showed the presence of a rheumatoid nodule and Morton’s neuroma in four feet and a rheumatoid nodule with unremarkable nerve bundles in one. A rheumatoid nodule can coexist with Morton’s neuroma, as seen in our patients, and the presentation is often similar to that of a Morton’s neuroma. Our patients were rendered asymptomatic with surgical treatment and went on to have appropriate management of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid nodule should be considered in the differential diagnosis of Morton’s neuroma in not only rheumatoid arthritis patients but also asymptomatic patients who have never been tested for rheumatoid antibodies.     

Morton’s neuroma – Current concepts review

Morton’s neuroma is a common pathology affecting the forefoot. It is not a true neuroma but is fibrosis of the nerve. This is caused secondary to pressure or repetitive irritation leading to thickness of the digital nerve, located in the third or second intermetatarsal space. The treatment options are: orthotics, steroid injections and surgical excision usually performed through dorsal approach. Careful clinical examination, patient selection, pre-operative counselling and surgical technique are the key to success in the management of this condition.     

Morton’s neuroma neuro-osteodesis through a plantar approach

Background

Morton’s neuroma is an entrapment neuropathy. Several surgical techniques were proposed for the management of this painful condition and to potentially limit the stump neuroma formation with variable results including attempts to seal the end of the nerve with cryogenic freezing, cauterization, electrocoagulation, carbon dioxide laser, chemical sclerosis, mechanical crush or ligation, fascial capping, and synthetic capping with methyl methacrylate, cellophane, collodion, silicone, glass, tin, tantalum, and silver and gold foils.

Patients & Methods

 In this study, 18 patients with Morton’s metatarsalgia were treated using a plantar approach, and neuro-osteodesis that entails burring the nerve into adjacent bone.

Results

All patients had satisfactory results except one case that necessitated a second surgery. Twelve patients were completely satisfied and five were satisfied with minor reservations.

Conclusions

Based on the results provided by this prospective study, we believe that neuro-osteodesis through a plantar approach is expected to be a satisfactory measure for the management of this painful foot condition.     

The role of diagnostic block in the management of Morton’s neuroma

Objective

To determine the outcome of surgical excision of Morton’s neuroma after a local anesthetic diagnostic block into the neuroma has relieved symptoms.

Design

A cohort study.

Setting

A university affiliated hospital.

Patients

A sequential series of 37 patients who underwent 41 excisions with at least 2 years’ follow-up. Seven patients had undergone repeat excision of a neuroma, and 34 primary excisions were performed. Surgery was performed by a specialist in orthopedic surgery of the foot and ankle.

Intervention

Excision of the Morton’s neuroma after a positive diagnostic block.

Main outcome measures

Grade of symptoms at follow-up done by independent review on a 4-point scale.

Results

Of 41 procedures, 11 had an unfavourable outcome: 4 procedures were graded 3, and 7 procedures were graded 4. Eight (24%) of the 34 primary procedures were reported as failures, and 3 (43%) of the 7 revision procedures were reported as failures. Most patients reported poor results owing to persistent pain.

Conclusions

Diagnostic blocks do not improve the results of surgery for excision of Morton’s neuroma and are not recommended. Because failure rates are greater than 20%, surgery for Morton’s neuroma should only be offered after a full course of nonoperative management.     

Results of operative treatment of double Morton’s neuroma in the same foot

Background  

Double Morton’s neuroma in one foot has rarely been reported in the literature.     

Retrosigmoid approach for vestibular neurectomy in Meniere’s disease

Summary Background. Vestibular nerve section is considered to be the most effective surgical procedure to control intractable symptoms secondary to Menières disease (MD). This study was developed to analyze the adequacy of retrosigmoid vestibular neurectomy in terms of vertigo control, hearing preservation and clinical complications of this procedure.Methods. A retrospective review was carried out on 14 patients affected by definite unilateral MD who underwent vestibular neurectomy via the retrosigmoid approach.Findings. One patient was lost from follow-up; another one had only a short postoperative observation. At follow-up performed on 12 cases, no patients reported any crisis of acute vertigo. Four patients were free from any vestibular symptoms, while 8 reported some slight gait disturbances. Hearing function was preserved in 10 patients and improved in 2. 1 year postoperative vestibular function was absent at the side operated on and unchanged on the other side in all the cases.Conclusions. Vestibular neurectomy via the retrosigmoid approach can be considered a safe and effective procedure in relieving medically refractory vertigo in Menières disease, while preserving hearing.     

Comparative results of two different techniques in the treatment of the Morton’s neuroma

We carried out a prospective study with 40 patients diagnosed of interdigital neuroma of the foot and who had undergone surgery over a 9 year period. We analysed the advantages of two surgical techniques (neurectomy and neurolysis). The results were similar in both groups. No recurrence occurred in the group where neurectomy was carried out. There were two cases of clinical recurrence in the group where neurolysis was carried out. We concluded that neurectomy was our preferred technique for its simplicity, the shorter surgical time necessary and the reduced risk of relapse.     

Dorsal Chopart’s fracture dislocation – A rare injury

A rare case of Dorsal Chopart’s fracture dislocation after a fall from height is presented. It combines the features of pure dorsal Chopart’s dislocation and the longitudinal swivel variant described by Main and Jowett presenting as dorsomedial fracture dislocation of the medial three fourths of the navicular, crushing the lateral one fourth. The possible mechanism of injury has been described. It has been successfully treated with closed reduction and percutaneous k-wire fixation. At two-year follow-up the patient was asymptomatic, back to his moderately active work.     

Intermetatarsal ligament section assisted with sonography for the percutaneous surgery of Morton’s disease: Cadaveric study

BackgroundSurgical treatment of Morton’s neuroma remains controversial. Several surgical techniques have been described including percutaneous transection of the deep metatarsal transverse ligament (DMTL).PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous release of the DMTL under ultrasound guidance for the treatment of Morton’s syndrome.Materials and methodologyPercutaneous release of the DMTL was performed with ultrasound guidance in 48 intermetatarsal spaces of 16 cadaveric specimens. Specimens were then dissected to assess the completion of the release and the presence of any injuries of the neurovascular and tendinous adjacent structures.ResultsThe DMTL was visualized with ultrasound in all cases. Complete release of the ligament was achieved in 87.5% (42/48) cases. One case of interdigital nerve injury was found.ConclusionPercutaneous release of DMTL with ultrasound guidance for the treatment of Morton’s disease has an acceptable rate of complications but care must be taken to ensure the complete release of the ligament.     

Can percutaneous alcoholization of Morton’s neuroma with phenol by electrostimulation guidance be an alternative to surgical excision? Long-term results

BackgroundPercutaneous alcoholization with phenol by electrostimulation guidance for the treatment of Morton’s neuroma is proposed to determine a permanent chemical neurolysis.Methods115 patients for 125 Morton’s neuromas were treated. Ten patients were affected by multiple neuromas. Visual Analogue Scale and AOFAS score were used for the clinical assessment.ResultsThe mean follow-up was 8,3 years. The pre-alcoholization VAS was 85.84 ± 12.00, while at follow-up scored 28.85 ± 31.35, showing a significant decrease improving in 113/125 cases (90.4%). Treatment was considered successful with a reduction of the VAS value superior to 50% in 89 out of 125 patients (71.2%). The mean overall AOFAS score at -up was 85.09 ± 13.41.ConclusionsNeedle-electrode guided percutaneous alcoholization is an outpatient, minimally invasive procedure with low rate of complications. Better results of those obtained with traditional conservative treatments and comparable with those reported with other alcohols injections or surgical nerve excision were observed.Level of evidenceLevel IV, retrospective case series.     

Effectiveness of corticosteroid injections in Civinini–Morton’s Syndrome: A systematic review

BackgroundThe aim of this paper is to analyze the effectiveness of corticosteroid injections (CI), in combination with or without a local anaesthetic, for Civinini–Morton’s Syndrome to determine which protocol could be the most appropriate among conservative treatments.MethodsAll selected articles were screened using a thorough database search of PubMed, EMBASE and SCOPUS to assess their suitability to the research focus.ResultsSelection produced 10 articles as full-text, for a total of 590 patients, with a mean follow-up of 14 ± 14.2 (range 3–48) months. Johnson satisfaction scale, resulting from 6 studies, scored 25.6% (range 5–38) and 39.4% (range 15–51.8), respectively completely satisfied and satisfied with minor reservations. Mean VAS, declared in 5 studies, decreased from 70.7 ± 16.5 (range 67–89) to 33.4 ± 7.6 (26–42.5) points (p < 0.01). Most common complication was skin depigmentation in 7 (2.6%) cases.ConclusionsCI appear to be a safe treatment allowing good results with a very low complications rate. A neuroma of 6.3 mm seems to be the cut-off size; below which CI could have best indications and be considered as an intermediate treatment between shoe modifications and more invasive procedures such as percutaneous alcoholization or surgery.Level of evidenceLevel II, systematic review.     

Transection of the deep metatarsal transverse ligament in Morton’s neuroma surgery does not increase risk of splayfoot development

Purpose

Although operative excision is regarded as the treatment of choice in Morton’s neuroma, it remains unclear whether transection of deep transverse metatarsal ligament (DTML) is a risk for metatarsal splaying and whether simultaneous surgery in adjacent intermetatarsal spaces is a risk for osteonecrosis of the adjacent metatarsals.

Methods

Fifty-seven feet in 47 patients had excision of a Morton’s neuroma, with a mean follow-up of 15.3 years. Feet were categorised depending upon whether the DTML was or was not divided. Pre-operative and post-operative intermetatarsal angles were measured on standardised weightbearing radiographs and inspected for evidence of osteonecrosis.

Results

Comparison of pre- and post-operative intermetatarsal angles in patients with surgery in the second web space showed no significant increase (transected p?=?0.659, preserved p?=?0.142). In regards to comparison of pre- and post-operative radiographic intermetatarsal angles in patients with surgery in the third web space, statistical analysis also did not show a significance increase (transected p?=?0.240, preserved p?=?0.078). Radiological assessment showed no signs of osteonecrosis of metatarsal heads, not even in cases of double-space surgery.

Conclusions

In conclusion, DTML transection does not increase the intermetatarsal angle or the risk of splayfoot development. Moreover, transection is recommended due to an enhanced overview during surgery and better clinical outcome. Our data could also prove that double-space surgery is not a risk for avascular osteonecrosis.

     

Hassab’s operation for Joubert syndrome with congenital hepatic fibrosis: A case report

IntroductionJoubert syndrome is characterized by psychomotor developmental delay, hypotonia, oculomotor abnormalities, occasional retinal dystrophy and cystic kidneys, and frequent and often, striking breathing abnormalities, especially in the neonatal period, with panting tachypnea followed by apnea. We report a case of Joubert syndrome with hepatic fibrosis, portal hypertension, and pancytopenia treated by Hassab’s operation.Presentation of caseOur patient was a 27-year-old woman with a history of tachypnea, muscle hypotonia, and psychomotor retardation shortly after birth and a diagnosis of Joubert syndrome at 2 years of age. At 19 years of age, she was diagnosed with progressive pancytopenia. At 27 years of age, she visited her local doctor for sudden-onset hematemesis. Endoscopy revealed esophageal varices exhibiting the red color sign and no evidence of recent bleeding. Splenomegaly and development of portal collateral circulation were observed on computed tomography scans.The patient was referred to our hospital, where she was diagnosed with Joubert syndrome and hepatic fibrosis, portal hypertension, and hypersplenism. After performing Hassab’s operation, the pancytopenia improved, but anticoagulant therapy was required for splenic vein thrombosis. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 25. Two years following surgery, the gastroesophageal varices were controlled, and no progression of the splenic vein thrombosis or hepatic failure was evident.ConclusionThis is the first case report of Hassab’s operation for congenital hepatic fibrosis in a patient with Joubert syndrome, a rare congenital condition. We achieved a favorable clinical outcome.     

Sagittal spinopelvic alignment in adolescents associated with Scheuermann’s kyphosis: a comparison with normal population

Purpose

Spinopelvic alignment is increasingly considered as a main factor in the energy-efficient posture of the individual in normal and pathological status. However, the spinopelvic characteristics in Scheuermann’s kyphosis (SK) are poorly defined in the literature. The purpose of this study was to determine whether differences of the spinopelvic parameters exist between adolescents with SK and age-matched normal controls.

Methods

In this study, 55 patients with SK and 60 healthy age-matched adolescents were recruited consecutively. Sagittal spinal and pelvic parameters were measured from the standing lateral radiograph, including global kyphosis, thoracic kyphosis (TK), cervical lordosis (CL), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence (PI), sacrum slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT) and sagittal vertical axis (SVA). According to the location of the kyphosis, patients were subdivided into Scheuermann’s thoracic kyphosis (STK) group and Scheuermann’s thoracolumbar kyphosis (STLK) group. The radiographic comparison and correlation analysis were further performed.

Results

SK patients had significantly lower PI and PT than normal controls (32.0° vs. 45.0°, P < 0.001 for PI; 0.2° vs. 11.9°, P < 0.001 for PT). The rate of a negative PT was 41.8 % (22/55) in SK patients, which was remarkably higher than in normal controls (10.0 %, 6/60). The CL, TK and LL were significantly increased in STK group when compared with STLK and control groups. A significant correlation was noticed between TK and CL and also between TK and LL in STK group. Both TK and LL were decreased in STLK patients, and a significant correlation was found between them (r = ?0.687, P < 0.001). A significantly strong correlation was also observed between LL and SS in STLK patients (r = ?0.641; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Adolescents with SK have a significantly lower PI when compared with age-matched normal controls. Patients with different curve patterns (STK vs. STLK) could have distinct compensatory mechanisms to maintain the sagittal balance.     

Meckel’s cocoon: A rare case of abdominal cocoon with Meckel’s diverticulum

Abdominal cocoon syndrome (ACS), also known as sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis, is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction in which there is partial or total encapsulation of abdominal viscera within a dense fibrous membrane. It was first described by Foo et al. [1] in 1978. This condition was thought to be related to retrograde menstruation. However, sporadic cases have been reported in both children and men, hence the exact aetiology remains unknown. This disease is characterized as either primary (idiopathic) or secondary to other causes. It is often confused with peritoneal encapsulation (PE) which is a congenital anomaly. It invariably presents as an acute or subacute intestinal obstruction with or without a mass. Diagnosis is mostly made after exploratory laparotomy and histopathological analysis of the sac. Herein, we present the case of a 38-year-old male who presented with features of acute intestinal obstruction. At laparotomy, small bowel loops were found encased in a cocoon with a tight ring at the base which resulted in bowel wall necrosis; Meckel’s diverticulum was also present within the cocoon. Resection of the cocoon and anastomosis was performed. A better awareness of these conditions will facilitate proper management when encountered as an emergency.