Morton's neuroma: clinical testing and imaging in 76 feet, compared to a control group.

BACKGROUND: Morton's neuroma is a mechanically induced degenerative neuropathy. METHODS: We compared clinical and MRI findings in 76 feet treated operatively for Morton's neuroma and 40 feet with different pathologies (controls). RESULTS: In the 'treatment group' web space tenderness (WST) was positive in 95%, foot squeeze (SQU) in 88%, plantar percussion (PLP) in 61%, and toe tip sensation deficit (TTSD) in 67%. MRI identified neuromata in 97%. Histological examination confirmed neuroma excision in 99%. Frequency of positive tests was significantly higher in the treatment group compared to controls. MRI revealed (asymptomatic) neuromata in 10/40 (25%) feet in the control group. TTSD was similarly positive in asymptomatic and symptomatic neuromata. TTSD in association with any other test being positive, was significantly more frequent in symptomatic neuromata. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of Morton's neuroma, based on clinical and imaging findings, was accurate. Positive clinical testing was more frequent in the 'treatment' group compared to the 'control' group.