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. 2024 Dec 18;16(12):e75968.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.75968. eCollection 2024 Dec.

Retrospective Study of Morton's Neuroma: Clinical, Paraclinical, and Therapeutic Assessment of 10 Cases

Manare Jaai  1 , Haytam Mellouki  2 , Ahmed Amine El Oumri  2
Affiliations

Retrospective Study of Morton's Neuroma: Clinical, Paraclinical, and Therapeutic Assessment of 10 Cases

Manare Jaai et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Background Morton's neuroma is a common cause of forefoot pain, typically occurring in the third metatarsal space and characterized by symptomatic nerve compression. This condition often leads to significant functional impairment, affecting weight-bearing activities and limiting appropriate footwear due to pain and discomfort. Objective This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of conservative interventional treatment for Morton's neuroma, specifically focusing on corticosteroid injections. Methodology We reviewed 10 cases of Morton's neuroma in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. The average age of the patients was 45 years, with a higher prevalence among females. Diagnoses were confirmed through clinical assessment and ultrasound imaging. Results All 10 patients (100%) received conservative interventional treatment with corticosteroid injections. This approach effectively alleviated symptoms in 9 out of 10 patients (90%). Surgical options were considered only if symptoms did not improve with this treatment. Conclusions All 10 patients (100%) were treated with corticosteroid injections, which alleviated symptoms in 9 out of 10 patients (90%). Surgical options were considered only if this treatment was insufficient. This analysis highlights the effectiveness of this approach as a first-line management strategy for Morton's neuroma.

Keywords: corticosteroid injection; extracorporeal shock wave; forefoot pain; metatarsalgia; mulder's sign; radio frequency; surgical nerve decompression; tingling or numbness; ultrasound imaging.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Distribution of patients by gender.
This figure illustrates the gender distribution of patients in our study, highlighting the predominance of women (7, 70%) among the cohort.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Distribution of patients according to the affected side.
The illustration highlights the laterality of Morton’s neuroma in our study, revealing that the left side was more frequently affected (6, 60%) than the right (4, 40%).
Figure 3
Figure 3. Distribution of patients by intermetatarsal space.
The diagram illustrates the distribution of Morton’s neuroma cases by intermetatarsal space, showing that 70% of cases occur in the third intermetatarsal space, while 30% are found in the second.
Figure 4
Figure 4. Classification of patients by foot type.
The chart outlines the distribution of foot types among the affected feet of the patients, with six (60%) presenting a normal foot, three (30%) having a flat foot, and one (10%) showing a cavus foot, emphasizing the predominance of a normal foot structure.
Figure 5
Figure 5. Ultrasound image showing Morton's neuroma in a patient.
Image Credit: Manare Jaai The image presents a 7 mm hypoechoic ovoid lesion along the longitudinal axis between the third and fourth metatarsals. These findings are crucial for diagnosing the underlying conditions affecting the patient.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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