The role of neuroma size in the management of Morton's neuroma

Q2 Health Professions

Foot Pub Date : 2025-12-01 Epub Date: 2025-09-26 DOI:10.1016/j.foot.2025.102204

Sonam Vadera , Pip Divall , Maneesh Bhatia

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Morton's neuroma is a common forefoot pathology characterised by fibrosis and thickening of the interdigital nerve in the intermetatarsal space. This scoping review aims to systematically map and summarise current evidence regarding the role of neuroma size in diagnosing and managing Morton's neuroma, with particular focus on correlations between symptom severity and treatment outcomes.

Methods

Following the frameworks of Arksey and O’Malley, Levac, and Peters, this scoping review used a comprehensive search strategy to identify relevant studies across multiple databases. A two-stage screening process was conducted independently by two reviewers.

Results

A total of 242 studies were identified, with 34 included for review. Both MRI and ultrasound were found to be effective in detecting neuromas, although definitions and diagnostic criteria varied. Findings on the correlation between neuroma size and symptom severity were mixed; larger neuromas were sometimes, but not consistently, associated with more severe symptoms. Treatment outcomes following steroid injections or surgical excision did not show a clear dependency on neuroma size, with mixed evidence across studies. Corticosteroid injections demonstrated variability in effectiveness based on neuroma size, while surgical outcomes showed no consistent correlation with neuroma size.

Conclusions

Despite the utility of imaging in diagnosing Morton's neuroma, clinical evaluation remains crucial, as neuroma size alone may not reliably predict symptoms or treatment response. Further research with standardised imaging criteria and extended follow-up is essential to better understand the relationship between neuroma size, symptom severity, and treatment outcomes, aiming to enhance treatment precision and efficacy.

查看原文本刊更多论文

神经瘤大小在莫顿神经瘤治疗中的作用。

背景：莫顿神经瘤是一种常见的前足病理，其特征是跖间隙指间神经的纤维化和增厚。本综述旨在系统地描绘和总结当前关于神经瘤大小在诊断和治疗莫顿神经瘤中的作用的证据，特别关注症状严重程度和治疗结果之间的相关性。方法：遵循Arksey和O'Malley、Levac和Peters的框架，本综述使用综合搜索策略在多个数据库中识别相关研究。两名审稿人独立进行了两阶段的筛选过程。结果：共纳入242项研究，其中34项纳入综述。尽管定义和诊断标准有所不同，但MRI和超声都能有效地检测神经瘤。神经瘤大小与症状严重程度的相关性研究结果不一；较大的神经瘤有时（但不一致）与更严重的症状相关。类固醇注射或手术切除后的治疗结果与神经瘤大小没有明确的依赖关系，各研究的证据不一。皮质类固醇注射显示出基于神经瘤大小的有效性差异，而手术结果显示与神经瘤大小没有一致的相关性。结论：尽管影像学在诊断莫顿神经瘤中的应用，但临床评估仍然至关重要，因为神经瘤的大小本身并不能可靠地预测症状或治疗反应。为了更好地了解神经瘤大小、症状严重程度和治疗结果之间的关系，提高治疗的准确性和疗效，有必要进一步研究标准化的影像学标准和延长随访时间。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Foot Health Professions-Podiatry

CiteScore

2.00

自引率

0.00%

发文量

期刊介绍： The Foot is an international peer-reviewed journal covering all aspects of scientific approaches and medical and surgical treatment of the foot. The Foot aims to provide a multidisciplinary platform for all specialties involved in treating disorders of the foot. At present it is the only journal which provides this inter-disciplinary opportunity. Primary research papers cover a wide range of disorders of the foot and their treatment, including diabetes, vascular disease, neurological, dermatological and infectious conditions, sports injuries, biomechanics, bioengineering, orthoses and prostheses.