ABSTRACT
Longitudinal plantar approaches are generally considered at risk for wound healing
problems. Thus, we wanted to investigate long-term outcomes after a primary Morton's
neuroma excision through a longitudinal plantar approach. A retrospective study of
patients with primary neuroma excision was conducted. Twenty-four patients (28 feet)
were evaluated at a mean 9-year follow-up (range, 6-14) by a single trained examiner
using a specific postoperative evaluation protocol, including AOFAS Forefoot subjective
and objective scores. Good-to-excellent outcomes were reported in 25 (89.3%) cases.
A hypertrophic scar formation and keratosis occurred in only 2 cases (7.1%). All the
patients, with a single exception, achieved full weightbearing with a postoperative
shoe from the first day after the operation. A longitudinal plantar approach can lead
to long-term, good-to-excellent outcomes with no case of recurrence or reoperation.
Accurate wound closure and immediate weightbearing with a postoperative shoe can minimize
the rate of complications. This approach should be considered for primary resection
of Morton's neuromas.
Level of Clinical Evidence
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 22, 2021
Footnotes
Financial Disclosure: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Conflict of Interest: None reported.
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© 2021 by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. All rights reserved.
