Ultrasound guided radiofrequency ablation of Morton’s neuroma: A substitute for surgery

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation of Morton's neuroma (MN) as a substitute to surgery, in patients not responding to conservative treatment. Methods: 15 patients, who performed radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of Morton's neuroma between November 2015 and December 2016, were submitted to follow up to assess the response to therapy over a period of 6 months by assessment of pain relief through visual analogue scale (VAS) scale from 1 to 10 from least to severe pain. Results: All of the 15 patients suffered from intense pain during their normal daily activity prior to RF ablation, pretreatment VAS average was 7. Follow up of the patients was done after 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. After RF ablation, pain disappeared in 9 cases (60%), 3 had mild pain (20%), 2 moderate pain (13.3%) and 1 with severe pain (6.6%) and proceeded to surgery. Complete resolution of pain was encountered in the patients with mild and moderate pain with conservative or second session of RFA. Conclusion: Radiofrequency ablation of Morton's neuroma, is an effective technique in treatment of symptomatic patient's after failure of conservative treatment and prior to surgical intervention.

Keywords

• Morton's neuroma
• Radiofrequency