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Interdigital neuroma: intermuscular neuroma transposition compared with resection
R C Colgrove1, E Y Huang, A H Barth
1Orthopedic Dept., Kaiser Permanente, San Diego, CA 92119, USA. Robert.C.Colgrove@KP.org
Foot & Ankle International
|March 30, 2000
Summary
Transposing interdigital neuromas (IDNs) offers superior long-term pain relief compared to standard resection. This nerve transposition technique provides better outcomes for patients seeking relief from neuroma pain.
Area of Science:
- Podiatric surgery
- Orthopedic surgery
- Neurology
Background:
- Interdigital neuromas (IDNs) are a common cause of forefoot pain.
- Standard surgical treatment involves neuroma resection, which can lead to recurrence or persistent pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the long-term efficacy of standard interdigital neuroma resection versus nerve transposition.
- To evaluate patient-reported pain levels and asymptomatic rates following both surgical techniques.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, randomized study involving 44 patients (45 neuromas).
- Comparison between standard resection and transposition of the IDN into the intermuscular space.
- Blinded interviewer assessed pain using a numerical rating scale at multiple postoperative intervals (1 month to 36-48 months).
Main Results:
- The transposition group demonstrated significantly better long-term pain relief and higher rates of asymptomatic patients compared to the resection group.
- While resection showed slightly lower pain initially, the transposition group reported less pain at 12 and 36-48 months.
- Resection group had a higher average pain level and fewer asymptomatic patients at long-term follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Interdigital neuroma excision is not necessary for effective pain relief.
- Transposition of the IDN into an intermuscular position yields superior long-term outcomes over standard resection.
- Nerve transposition is a viable alternative for treating interdigital neuromas, offering improved patient results.