Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation in the management of interdigital (Morton's) neuroma.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the benefits of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of Morton's neuroma as an alternative to surgical excision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied a consecutive cohort of surgical candidates for Morton's neurectomy who we referred, instead, for radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Under local anaesthetic, RFA was performed under ultrasound guidance, by a single radiologist. This out-patient procedure was repeated after 4 weeks if necessary. We followed patients for a minimum of 6 months to assess their change in visual analogue pain scores (VAS), symptom improvement, complications and progression to surgical excision. RESULTS: Thirty feet in 25 patients were studied. There were 4 men and 21 women with an average age of 55 years (range 33-73 years). All had tried previous methods of conservative management. Forty percent presented with 2nd space neuromas and 60% with 3rd space ones. The average number of treatment sessions was 1.6 (range 1-3, mode 1). Prior to treatment, all patients had pain on activity (VAS average: 6.0, range 3-9). Post-treatment there was a statistically significant reduction in pain scores (post-RFA VAS average: 1.7, range 0-8, p < 0.001). The average overall symptom improvement was 76%. There was one minor complication of temporary nerve irritation. Three neuromas (10%) have progressed to surgical excision; 1 patient has ongoing, unchanged pain with no obvious cause. At 6 months, 26 out of 30 feet had a satisfactory outcome. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided RFA has successfully alleviated patients' symptoms of Morton's neuroma in >85% of cases. Only 10% have proceeded to surgical excision in the short term.

Medial malleolar stress fracture secondary to chronic ankle impingement.

BACKGROUND: Medial malleolar stress fractures are uncommon even in the sporting population. We believe that stress fractures of the medial malleolus may be the end stage of chronic anteromedial ankle impingement in elite running and jumping athletes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present five cases of elite athletes who presented to our institution with stress fractures of the medial malleolus over a 3-year period (2004 to 2007). In each case preoperative imaging revealed an anteromedial bony spur on the tibia. All fractures were internally fixed and at the same sitting had arthroscopic debridement of the bony spur. RESULTS: All fractures united without further intervention, average time to union was 10.2 (range, 6 to 16) weeks. At most recent review (average, 18 months; range, 8 to 37 months), all patients had resumed sporting activity to their previous level. No patient had suffered a recurrent fracture of the medial malleolus. CONCLUSION: We believe this region of impingement to be important in the development of the stress fracture and should be addressed at the time of fracture fixation.

Parosteal lipoma associated with an underlying osteochondroma arising from the hallux.

Parosteal lipomas are rare benign tumours of mature adipose tissue that arise in continuity with the underlying bone. These lesions represent less than 0.3% of all lipomas and commonly arise in the femur, tibia, humerus and radius. There have been no reported cases of such lesions arising in the foot. Hence, we report the first case of a parosteal lipoma arising in the great toe in association with an underlying osteochondroma.