Chronic implant infection seems to play a role in PS loosening and ongoing pain, causing revision surgery after spinal fusion. Screw loosening and multiple prior spinal operations should be suspicious for implant infection after spinal fusion when it comes to revision surgery. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
Background: Morton’s neuroma is a common cause of forefoot pain. Various conservative methods (injections of various pharmacologic agents) have been published with an outcome of 6%-75% success rate (free of pain in daily life) per injection. The aim of the present study was to assess the outcome of an improved localization technique, a higher dosage, and a higher percentage of ethanol. Methods: Using fluoroscopic and electroneurographic guidance, 2.5 mL of 70% ethanol were injected into 33 feet with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–verified neuroma. We evaluated patients at up to 5-year follow-up. Results: A “success rate” of more than 82% per single injection (defined as free of pain in daily life) was achieved and no recurrence was seen over 5 years. All scores (visual analog scale; Short Form–36 subscales, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score) showed significant improvement ( P < .0001). Mean 1.2 injections were necessary. No significant side effects were seen. However, some mild pain persisted in some patients who participated in sports. Conclusion: The injection of 2.5 mL of 70% ethanol under fluoroscopic and electroneurographic guidance was a safe method for the treatment of MRI-verified Morton’s neuromas. Combining the effect of a higher percentage of alcohol and a higher dosage and an improved localization technique resulted in a high rate of patients without pain. Level of Evidence: Level IV, cases series, prospective.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.