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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2022; 26(06): 710-716
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1760212
Review Article

Presurgical Perspective and Postsurgical Evaluation of Morton's Neuroma and Other Nerve Lesions

Marco Zanetti
1   Centre of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Radiology Department, Clinic Hirslanden, Zurich, Switzerland
,
Nadja Saupe
1   Centre of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Radiology Department, Clinic Hirslanden, Zurich, Switzerland
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Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a robust method used for both preoperative and postoperative evaluation of Morton's neuroma and other neural lesions. MRI is used to confirm the diagnosis and for precise localization, estimation of outcome, and differential diagnoses. The differential diagnoses include mechanically induced plantar plate ruptures with associated Morton's neuroma–like tumors in the intermetatarsal/interdigital spaces; mechanical fibrosis cushion formations and pseudo bursae in the plantar foot adipose tissue; rheumatologic affections, such as rheumatoid nodules, gouty nodules, and intermetatarsal bursitis; and lastly the tenosynovial giant cell tumor (formerly called pigmented villonodular synovitis). In the postoperative evaluation after resection of Morton's neuroma, the same differential diagnoses must be considered as in the preoperative evaluation. Similarly, a high prevalence (up to 25%) of asymptomatic Morton's neuroma–like findings in the intermetatarsal and interdigital spaces should be kept in mind when interpreting postoperative recurrent forefoot pain after Morton's neuroma resection.

Keywords

Morton's neuroma - nerve lesion - MRI - postoperative


Publication History

Article published online:
15 February 2023

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