Dorsal suspension for Morton's neuroma: A comparison with neurectomy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the clinical outcomes of dorsal suspension with those of neurectomy for the treatment of Morton's neuroma.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of dorsal suspension and neurectomy group. The dorsal suspension was performed by dorsal transposition of neuroma over the dorsal transverse ligament after neurolysis. The visual analog scale (VAS), the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), postoperative satisfaction, and complications were evaluated.

RESULTS: Both groups reported significant pain relief, and there were no significant differences between the groups with respect to postoperative pain. The postoperative FAAM outcomes showed no significant between-group differences. Satisfaction analysis showed 'excellent' and 'good' results in the dorsal suspension and neurectomy groups (95% and 77.7%, respectively). Complications of numbness and paresthesia reported in the dorsal suspension group (5% and 5%, respectively) were significantly fewer than those of neurectomy group (61.1% and 33.3%, respectively) (both, p<.05).

CONCLUSIONS: With its favorable results, dorsal suspension can be another operative option for the treatment of Morton's neuroma.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative case series.