Pathobiochemical mechanisms of Morton’s neuroma

Abstract

The article highlights the difficulties that a doctor may encounter when managing a patient with Morton's neuroma. Rationale. Tunnel, or compression, syndromes/neuropathies are one of the most common groups of diseases of the peripheral nerves and, according to various authors, account for 25% to 40% of all diseases of the peripheral nervous system. In 1876, Thomas Morton first described a syndrome in which he observed “a peculiar and painful affection of the fourth metatarso-phalangeal articulation” in 12 patients. When studying this pathology, Morton suggested that mechanical compression of the nerve by the heads of the metatarsal bones was the main mechanism for the development of the disease. Purpose of the work: to summarize and present material demonstrating the features of managing patients with Morton's neuroma. Materials and methods: a literature search of Russian and foreign authors was carried out; the obtained data were analyzed and summarized. Results. Summary information on the management of patients with Morton's neuroma is provided. The main issues of diagnosis and treatment of this pathology are demonstrated. Conclusion. An analysis of the effectiveness of surgical treatment of Morton's neuroma showed excellent results in 45% of cases, good results in 32%, satisfactory results in 15%, and unsatisfactory results in 8% of cases. The low effectiveness of surgical interventions is associated with the formation of a true amputation neuroma in the area of the proximal section of the intermetatarsal nerve.