Is it time to rethink the diagnosis of Mortons Neuroma?

Abstract

Reuven Lexier and Amanda Weston

There is currently little consensus on the definition and correct diagnosis of Morton’s Neuroma. The literature offers multiple treatment options. Presently, a major concern is incorrectly or over-diagnosing of the condition. The objective of this paper is to examine the likelihood of an incorrect diagnosis of patients who receive treatment for Morton’s Neuroma and compare to the rates of diagnosis and treatments demonstrated in the academic literature. A retrospective case cohort review was conducted examining patient clinical records over a five-year period from a single clinical practice. The data collected pertained to who and how the diagnosis of Morton’s Neuroma was made, the treatments performed and their outcomes. Our review included 30 patients (mostly women) presenting on the right foot. A diagnosis of Morton’s Neuroma was suggested by a General Practitioner in majority of the cases, followed by Radiologists, Orthopaedic Surgeons and Vascular Surgeons respectively. The chief concern was the frequent inaccurate diagnosis of Morton’s Neuroma in this patient cohort. The uncertainties surrounding this condition result in delayed diagnosis and treatment, unnecessary expenditure of health care funds, and deleteriously affects quality of life in patients.

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