Giacat Pham Taylor Bergstrom Liz Connolly JiHae Kim Spencer Stringham Josh Joseph Kaitlin Thompson Hisham Ashry
HCA Healthcare
01-01-2023
INTRODUCTION: Neuromas are commonly diagnosed at the third interspace, and are known as morton’s neuromas. It is not a true neuroma, but rather degeneration of myelinated nerve fiber with associated h..
INTRODUCTION: Neuromas are commonly diagnosed at the third interspace, and are known as morton’s neuromas. It is not a true neuroma, but rather degeneration of myelinated nerve fiber with associated histopathological changes of the interdigital nerve within the foot. This condition is a degenerative process rather than neoplastic. The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not third interspace neuromas truly are the most common location for a neuroma when compared to other interspaces of the foot. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of the medical records of 100 patients diagnosed with interspace neuromas from private practices was performed. The incidence of the neuroma interspace location, metatarsal juxtaposition distance, and the incidence of diagnosis via magnetic resonance imaging will be evaluated. Demographics such as patient age, sex , foot and interspace involved. This study will serve as an update for the common knowledge and teachings surrounding a neuroma in the lower extremity. RESULTS: 100 patients were included in the study, from which a neuroma most commonly occurred at the second interspace at 71%. Incidence of neuroma at the third and fourth interspaces were 56% and 1%, respectively. No neuroma occurred at the first or the fourth interspaces. No significant difference was noted between the frequency of neuroma formation at the second and third interspaces. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest the presence of neuroma in the second interspace is just as common as the presence in the third interspace. Our study was unable to prove a greater incidence of a neuroma in the second interspace compared to the third interspace. The theory of metatarsal head juxtaposition causing compression onto the common interdigital nerve may not be a factor in the occurrence of a neuroma.
