Morton Neuroma Study Summary
Objective
- Assess differences in imaging appearances of Morton neuromas.
- Evaluate changes before and after laser therapy.
- Utilize diagnostic ultrasound for assessment.
Methods
- Retrospective review of patients with Morton neuroma.
- 42 patients underwent ultrasound imaging.
- 21 patients evaluated before and after laser therapy.
- Ultrasound reports correlated with clinical history.
- Patients reviewed for Morton neuroma treatment.
- Ultrasound imaging conducted on 42 patients.
- 21 patients assessed pre- and post-laser therapy.
- Correlation of ultrasound findings with clinical data.
Results
- Pretreatment Morton neuromas appeared as fusiform, heterogeneously hypoechoic masses.
- Post-treatment lesions showed ill-defined borders.
- Reduced pain with transducer pressure was observed.
- Changes were statistically significant.
- Initial ultrasound showed well-defined borders of neuromas.
- Post-treatment, borders became less defined.
- Pain reduction noted with ultrasound pressure.
- Statistical analysis confirmed significance.
Conclusion
- Ultrasound can detect post-treatment changes after laser therapy for Morton neuromas.
- Changes include ill-defined borders and reduced pain.
- These criteria may aid future clinical studies on laser therapy efficacy.
Background
- Morton neuroma involves enlargement of the plantar digital nerve.
- It is a common cause of forefoot pain, known as metatarsalgia.
- Clinical examination is the standard for diagnosis.
- Ultrasound and MRI assist in diagnosis and preoperative localization.
Discussion
- Ultrasound is cost-effective for diagnosing Morton neuroma.
- Post-treatment features include decreased pain and ill-defined margins.
- Requires exclusion of other conditions and precise nerve localization.
Limitations
- Study included fewer than 50 patients.
- Subject to inter- and intraobserver variability.
- No control group was included.
- Short follow-up interval.
- No long-term imaging follow-up performed.
