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Fenech M. Sonographic anatomy and technique to image the plantar digital nerves and aid identification of a Morton's neuroma. ULTRASOUND (LEEDS, ENGLAND) 2024; 32:114-126. [PMID: 38694832 PMCID: PMC11060124 DOI: 10.1177/1742271x231215716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Introduction The anatomy of the forefoot is complex, and the sonographic assessment to image the plantar digital nerves and exclude, diagnose or discriminate between a Morton's neuroma and intermetatarsal bursitis can be challenging. Topic description and discussion A good appreciation of the sonographic anatomy, technique, normal and abnormal appearances is required to undertake a sonographic assessment of the forefoot and its interspaces, particularly the plantar digital nerves. This is unpacked in this paper with associated pictorial aids. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the interspaces and the nearby metatarsophalangeal joints and their associated soft-tissue structures are helpful sonographic landmarks to guide imaging and assessment of the common and proper plantar digital nerves and the intermetatarsal bursa. These need to be appreciated from both dorsal and plantar sonographic approaches, in both short- and long-axis imaging planes. Conclusion Improved understanding of the anatomy and sonographic appearances of the interspace structures can enhance the sonographic assessment of the forefoot and improve diagnosis of a Morton's neuroma and/or intermetatarsal bursitis when present to guide patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Fenech
- College of Clinical Sciences, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Department of Medical Imaging, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
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2
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Kimura Y, Kikkawa I, Sugimoto H, Kawai S, Takeshita K. The onset of intermetatarsal bursitis in patient with rheumatoid arthritis - Case report of surgical treatment. Int J Surg Case Rep 2024; 117:109537. [PMID: 38503164 PMCID: PMC10963219 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mono-arthritis and intermetatarsal bursitis according to rheumatoid arthritis aren't aware among general orthopedic surgeon. This report describes a case of surgical treatment of intermetatarsal bursitis. PRESENTATION OF CASE A 50-year-old female presented with three years of metatarsophalangeal joint pain and deformity. MRI showed bursitis and synovial proliferation around the joint. Synovectomy reduced pain and foot deformity. After surgery, the patient was administered methotrexate. DISCUSSION There were previous studies reporting intermetatarsal bursitis associated with rheumatoid arthritis, few case reports were found in which surgery and pathological examination were performed. CONCLUSION Intermetatarsal bursitis is common for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Early diagnosis and early appropriate treatment is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuya Kimura
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nasu Chuoh Hospital, Otawara, Japan.
| | - Ichiro Kikkawa
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nasu Chuoh Hospital, Otawara, Japan
| | - Hideharu Sugimoto
- Department of Radiology, Shin-Kaminokawa Hospital, Kaminokawa, Japan
| | - Shigeo Kawai
- Department of Pathology, Tochigi Medical Center Shimotsuga, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Katsushi Takeshita
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
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3
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Ruiz Santiago F, Moraleda Cabrera B, Láinez Ramos-Bossini AJ. Ultrasound guided injections in ankle and foot. J Ultrasound 2024; 27:153-159. [PMID: 37518823 PMCID: PMC10908885 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-023-00808-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound guidance is particularly useful for percutaneous injections in the diagnosis and management of painful conditions of the ankle and foot. The injectates used include steroids and local anesthetics, such as lidocaine, mepivacaine, bupivacaine, ropivacaine, and platelet-rich plasma. Osteoarthritis is the main indication for joint injections. Joints amenable to being injected include the tibiotalar, subtalar, midtarsal, and metatarsophalangeal joints. Tendon injections mainly involve the Achilles, peroneus, extensors, and tibialis tendons, while plantar fascia injections are useful for treating plantar fasciitis and plantar fibromatosis. Forefoot injections include joint arthritis, intermetatarsal bursitis, and Morton neuroma. The standardized approaches and doses reviewed in this paper are based on the authors' experience and can lead to high success in symptomatic relief for various conditions. These injections can be curative or serve as a guide to identify the source of pain when surgery or other therapeutic options are planned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Ruiz Santiago
- Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain.
- Musculoskeletal Radiology Unit, Hospital Universitario Virgen de Las Nieves, 18014, Granada, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. Granada, 18012, Granada, Spain.
- , C-Julio Verne 8, 7 B, 18003, Granada, Spain.
| | - Beatriz Moraleda Cabrera
- Musculoskeletal Radiology Unit, Hospital Universitario Virgen de Las Nieves, 18014, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. Granada, 18012, Granada, Spain
| | - Antonio Jesús Láinez Ramos-Bossini
- Musculoskeletal Radiology Unit, Hospital Universitario Virgen de Las Nieves, 18014, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. Granada, 18012, Granada, Spain
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Kumar S, Mangi MD, Zadow S, Lim W. Nerve entrapment syndromes of the lower limb: a pictorial review. Insights Imaging 2023; 14:166. [PMID: 37782348 PMCID: PMC10545616 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-023-01514-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerves of the lower limb may become entrapped at various points during their anatomical course. While clinical assessment and nerve conduction studies are the mainstay of diagnosis, there are multiple imaging options, specifically ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which offer important information about the potential cause and location of nerve entrapment that can help guide management. This article overviews the anatomical course of various lower limb nerves, including the sciatic nerve, tibial nerve, medial plantar nerve, lateral plantar nerve, digital nerves, common peroneal nerve, deep peroneal nerve, superficial peroneal nerve, sural nerve, obturator nerve, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and femoral nerve. The common locations and causes of entrapments for each of the nerves are explained. Common ultrasound and MRI findings of nerve entrapments, direct and indirect, are described, and various examples of the more commonly observed cases of lower limb nerve entrapments are provided.Critical relevance statement This article describes the common sites of lower limb nerve entrapments and their imaging features. It equips radiologists with the knowledge needed to approach the assessment of entrapment neuropathies, which are a critically important cause of pain and functional impairment.Key points• Ultrasound and MRI are commonly used to investigate nerve entrapment syndromes.• Ultrasound findings include nerve hypo-echogenicity, calibre changes and the sonographic Tinel's sign.• MRI findings include increased nerve T2 signal, muscle atrophy and denervation oedema.• Imaging can reveal causative lesions, including scarring, masses and anatomical variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanesh Kumar
- Department of Radiology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Port Rd, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Mohammad Danish Mangi
- Department of Radiology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Port Rd, Adelaide, Australia.
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Steven Zadow
- Department of Medical Imaging, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders Drive, Bedford Park, Australia
- Jones Radiology, Eastwood, Australia
| | - WanYin Lim
- Department of Radiology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Port Rd, Adelaide, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Jones Radiology, Eastwood, Australia
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5
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Feyzioğlu Ö, Öztürk Ö, Muğrabi S. Is Morton's neuroma in a pes planus or pes cavus foot lead to differences in pressure distribution and gait parameters? Heliyon 2023; 9:e19111. [PMID: 37636349 PMCID: PMC10448470 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Morton's neuroma (MN) is a compressive neuropathy of the common digital plantar nerve causing forefoot pain. Foot posture and altered plantar pressure distribution have been identified as predispoing factors, however no studies have compared individuls with different foot postures with MN. Thus, we aimed to compare the effect of MN on spatiotemporal gait parameters and foot-pressure distribution in individuals with pes planus and pes cavus. Thirty-eight patients with unilateral MN were evaluated between June and August 2021. Nineteen patients with bilateral pes planus and 19 age and gender-matched patients with pes cavus who had no prior surgery were recruited. A Zebris FDM-THM-S treadmill system (Zebris Medical GmbH, Germany) was used to evaluate step length, stride length, step width, step time, stride time, cadence, velocity, foot-pressure distribution, force and whole stance phase, loading response, mid stance, pre-swing and swing phase percentages. There were no significant differences between the groups in spatiotemporal gait parameters (p > 0.05). Patients with pes planus displayed the following results for step length (49.36 ± 8.38), step width (9.05 ± 2.12), stance phase percentage (65.92 ± 2.11), swing phase percentage (34.08 ± 2.12), gait speed (2.96 ± 0.55), and cadence (100.57 ± 8.84). In contrast, patients with pes cavus displayed the following results for step length (49.06 ± 8.37), step width (8.10 ± 2.46), stance phase percentage (64.96 ± 1.61), swing phase percentage (34.79 ± 1.60), gait speed (2.95 ± 0.65), and cadence (99.73 ± 13.81). Foot-pressure distribution values showed no differences were detected in force, forefoot, and rearfoot pressure distribution, except for midfoot force (p < 0.05). The forefoot, midfoot, and rearfoot pressure values for the pronated group were 32.14 ± 10.90, 13.80 ± 3.03, and 22.78 ± 5.10, and for the supinated group were 33.50 ± 11.49, 14.23 ± 3.11 and 24.93 ± 6.52. MN does not significantly affect spatiotemporal gait parameters or foot-pressure distribution in patients with pes cavus or pes planus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özlem Feyzioğlu
- Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Özgül Öztürk
- Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Istanbul, Turkey
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Afonso PD, Britto SV, Spritzer CE, Martins E Souza P. Differential Diagnosis of Metatarsalgia. Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2023; 27:337-350. [PMID: 37230133 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1764388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Lesser (or central) metatarsalgia is defined as pain in the forefoot under or around the lesser metatarsals and their respective metatarsophalangeal joints. Two common causes of central metatarsalgia are Morton's neuroma (MN) and plantar plate (PP) injury. Because both clinical and imaging features overlap, establishing the correct differential diagnosis may be challenging. Imaging has a pivotal role in the detection and characterization of metatarsalgia. Different radiologic modalities are available to assess the common causes of forefoot pain, so the strengths and weakness of these imaging tools should be kept in mind. It is crucial to be aware of the pitfalls that can be encountered in daily clinical practice when dealing with these disorders. This review describes two main causes of lesser metatarsalgia, MN and PP injury, and their differential diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Diana Afonso
- Musculoskeletal Imaging Unit, Radiology Department, Hospital da Luz, Grupo Luz Saúde, Lisbon, Portugal
- Radiology Department, Hospital Particular da Madeira, Grupo HPA, Funchal, Portugal
| | - Sabrina Veras Britto
- Radiology Department, Clinica Radiológica Luiz Felippe Mattoso, Gupo Fleury, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Charles E Spritzer
- MSK Division, Radiology Department, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Patrícia Martins E Souza
- Radiology Department, Clinica Radiológica Luiz Felippe Mattoso, Gupo Fleury, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Symanski JS, Ross AB, Davis KW, Brunner MC, Lee KS. US for Traumatic Nerve Injury, Entrapment Neuropathy, and Imaging-guided Perineural Injection. Radiographics 2022; 42:1546-1561. [PMID: 35776677 DOI: 10.1148/rg.210152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
US is commonly performed to help diagnose traumatic peripheral nerve injury and entrapment neuropathy, particularly with superficial nerves, where higher spatial resolution provides an advantage over MRI. Other advantages of US include dynamic evaluation, easy contralateral comparison, fewer implant contraindications, less artifact from ferromagnetic debris, and facile needle guidance for perineural injections. The authors review peripheral nerve US for traumatic peripheral nerve injury with an emphasis on injury grading and entrapment neuropathy and describe best-practice techniques for US-guided perineural injections while highlighting specific techniques and indications. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ©RSNA, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S Symanski
- From the Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792 (J.S.S., A.B.R., K.W.D., M.C.B., K.S.L.); and Department of Radiology, William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wis (M.C.B.)
| | - Andrew B Ross
- From the Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792 (J.S.S., A.B.R., K.W.D., M.C.B., K.S.L.); and Department of Radiology, William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wis (M.C.B.)
| | - Kirkland W Davis
- From the Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792 (J.S.S., A.B.R., K.W.D., M.C.B., K.S.L.); and Department of Radiology, William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wis (M.C.B.)
| | - Michael C Brunner
- From the Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792 (J.S.S., A.B.R., K.W.D., M.C.B., K.S.L.); and Department of Radiology, William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wis (M.C.B.)
| | - Kenneth S Lee
- From the Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792 (J.S.S., A.B.R., K.W.D., M.C.B., K.S.L.); and Department of Radiology, William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wis (M.C.B.)
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8
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Long-term comparison between blind and ultrasound-guided corticoid injections in Morton neuroma. Eur Radiol 2022; 32:8414-8422. [PMID: 35726101 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-022-08932-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This work compares the effectiveness of blind versus ultrasound (US)-guided injections for Morton neuroma (MN) up to 3 years of follow-up. METHODS This is an evaluator-blinded randomised trial in which 33 patients with MN were injected by an experienced orthopaedic surgeon based on anatomical landmarks (blind injection, group 1) and 38 patients were injected by an experienced musculoskeletal radiologist under US guidance (group 2). Patients were assessed using the visual analogue scale and the Manchester Foot Pain and Disability index (MFPDI). Injections consisted of 1 ml of 2% mepivacaine and 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide in each web space with MN. Up to 4 injections were allowed during the first 3 months of follow-up. Follow-up was performed by phone calls and/or scheduled consultations at 15 days, 1 month, 45 days, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months and 1, 2 and 3 years. Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired Student's t tests. RESULTS No differences in age or clinical measures were found at presentation between group 1 (VAS, 8.5 ± 0.2; MFPDI, 40.9 ± 1.1) and group 2 (VAS, 8.4 ± 0.2; MFPDI, 39.8 ± 1.2). Improvement in VAS was superior in group 2 up to 3 years of follow-up (p < 0.05). Improvement in MFPDI was superior in group 2 from 45 days to 2 years of follow-up (p < 0.05). Satisfaction with the treatment was higher in group 2 (87%) versus group 1 (59.1%) at 3 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION Ultrasound-guided injections lead to a greater percentage of long-term improvement than blind injections in MN. KEY POINTS • Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections in Morton neuroma provide long-term pain relief in more than 75% of patients. • Ultrasound-guided injections in Morton neuroma led to greater long-term pain relief and less disability than blind injections up to 3 years of follow-up. • The presence of an ipsilateral neuroma is associated with worse long-term disability score.
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9
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Greenfield AL, Parrikh M, Kanesa-Thasan R. Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Peripheral Nerves: Technical Considerations. Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2022; 26:105-113. [PMID: 35609572 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1742606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Advances in ultrasonographic (US) technology featuring high-resolution transducers have revolutionized US over recent years as a modality increasingly used in the evaluation of musculoskeletal structures and peripheral nerves. A wide variety of nerve pathologies can be detected, such as neoplastic and tumorlike lesions, entrapment syndromes, posttraumatic injuries, and inflammatory conditions. US can serve as an imaging tool for guiding percutaneous treatments, such as injection therapies or hydrodissection, and assist with perioperative nerve marking and visualization of peripheral nerves in the operating room. This article describes the normal US appearance of peripheral nerves, US imaging techniques, common peripheral nerve pathologies, and interventional applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje L Greenfield
- Section of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mannan Parrikh
- Section of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Riti Kanesa-Thasan
- Section of Musculoskeletal Radiology, Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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10
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Neuropathic Pain and Ultrasonography: A Multiperspective Literature Evaluation. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11091705. [PMID: 34574046 PMCID: PMC8470278 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11091705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the tools useful for the management of neuropathic pain, ultrasound presents several advantages, shown by the literature. We assessed the scientific production about neuropathic pain and ultrasound from different points of view: general topics, journal categories, geographical origin and lexical analysis. We searched papers on PubMed using the Medical Subject Headings "neuropathic pain" AND "ultrasound". We collected data about the journals where the papers were published, the country of the affiliation of the first author. For the lexical analysis, we evaluated the presence of selected words in the papers, and we built a graph representing the connections among words and papers. The papers were focused on the use of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool and guide for the therapy, assessing its application in different diseases such as Morton's neuroma and piriformis syndrome. The most represented journal category was anesthesia while the most common country the United States of America. The lexical analysis confirmed the importance of ultrasound for diagnosis of specific disease and treatment of pain. The described approaches provide a multiperspective evaluation of the literature and may support the interpretation of the information contained by the papers.
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11
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Middleton SJ, Perez-Sanchez J, Dawes JM. The structure of sensory afferent compartments in health and disease. J Anat 2021; 241:1186-1210. [PMID: 34528255 PMCID: PMC9558153 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary sensory neurons are a heterogeneous population of cells able to respond to both innocuous and noxious stimuli. Like most neurons they are highly compartmentalised, allowing them to detect, convey and transfer sensory information. These compartments include specialised sensory endings in the skin, the nodes of Ranvier in myelinated axons, the cell soma and their central terminals in the spinal cord. In this review, we will highlight the importance of these compartments to primary afferent function, describe how these structures are compromised following nerve damage and how this relates to neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Middleton
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - John M Dawes
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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12
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Biz C, Stecco C, Fantoni I, Aprile G, Giacomini S, Pirri C, Ruggieri P. Fascial Manipulation Technique in the Conservative Management of Morton's Syndrome: A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18157952. [PMID: 34360245 PMCID: PMC8345745 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objective: Morton’s syndrome (MS) is a common cause of neuropathic chronic forefoot pain, characterised by the development of a swelling of the common digital plantar nerve, whose aetiology is not fully known. There is currently no gold standard of treatment; nonoperative management commonly involves manual therapies, orthoses therapy and infiltrative techniques, while surgery is indicated after failure of conservative measures. The present preliminary study prospectively evaluates patients affected by MS treated by Fascial Manipulation technique (FM), a noninvasive manual therapy, focused on the release of the deep fascia, reducing its stiffness. Materials and Methods: Patients with clinical and sonographic diagnosis of MS with at least a 4-month history of neuropathic symptoms underwent a cycle of three weekly FM sessions. Clinical follow-up, including VAS and AOFAS scores, was performed 21 days (T1) and 3 months (T2) after treatment. Results: Nine patients, among 28 recruited initially, completed the manual therapy sessions and relative follow-up points. This noninvasive pain treatment led to significant improvement of VAS (p = 0.0034) and AOFAS scores (p = 0.0240) at the first follow-up (T1). At 3-month follow-up (T2), both scores decreased slightly, remaining however superior to the pre-treatment values. Only VAS was still significant (p = 0.0184). Conclusions: Despite the small size of the case series, this pilot study is unique in supporting Fascial Manipulation in the nonoperative treatment of MS. Further studies are needed with a large cohort of gender balanced patients to confirm the encouraging results obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Biz
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology DiSCOG, Orthopaedic Clinic, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (I.F.); (G.A.); (P.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-821-3239
| | - Carla Stecco
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (C.S.); (S.G.); (C.P.)
| | - Ilaria Fantoni
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology DiSCOG, Orthopaedic Clinic, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (I.F.); (G.A.); (P.R.)
| | - Gianluca Aprile
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology DiSCOG, Orthopaedic Clinic, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (I.F.); (G.A.); (P.R.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (C.S.); (S.G.); (C.P.)
| | - Stefano Giacomini
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (C.S.); (S.G.); (C.P.)
| | - Carmelo Pirri
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (C.S.); (S.G.); (C.P.)
| | - Pietro Ruggieri
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology DiSCOG, Orthopaedic Clinic, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (I.F.); (G.A.); (P.R.)
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13
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Klontzas ME, Koltsakis E, Kakkos GA, Karantanas AH. Ultrasound-guided treatment of Morton's neuroma. J Ultrason 2021; 21:e134-e138. [PMID: 34258038 PMCID: PMC8264811 DOI: 10.15557/jou.2021.0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Morton’s neuroma is a painful lesion of the interdigital nerve, usually at the third intermetatarsal space, associated with fibrotic changes in the nerve, microvascular degeneration, and deregulation of sympathetic innervation. Patients usually present with burning or sharp metatarsalgia at the dorsal or plantar aspect of the foot. The management of Morton’s neuroma starts with conservative measures, usually with limited efficacy, including orthotics and anti-inflammatory medication. When conservative treatment fails, a series of minimally invasive ultrasound-guided procedures can be employed as second-line treatments prior to surgery. Such procedures include infiltration of the area with a corticosteroid and local anesthetic, chemical neurolysis with alcohol or radiofrequency thermal neurolysis. Ultrasound aids in the accurate diagnosis of Morton’s neuroma and guides the aforementioned treatment, so that significant and potentially long-lasting pain reduction can be achieved. In cases of initial treatment failure, the procedure can be repeated, usually leading to the complete remission of symptoms. Current data shows that minimally invasive treatments can significantly reduce the need for subsequent surgery in patients with persistent Morton’s neuroma unresponsive to conservative measures. The purpose of this review is to present current data on the application of ultrasound for the diagnosis and treatment of Morton’s neuroma, with emphasis on the outcomes of ultrasound-guided treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michail E Klontzas
- Department of Medical Imaging, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece.,Advanced Hybrid Imaging Systems, Institute of Computer Science, FORTH, Crete, Greece.,Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Koltsakis
- Department of Medical Imaging, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - George A Kakkos
- Department of Medical Imaging, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Apostolos H Karantanas
- Department of Medical Imaging, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece.,Advanced Hybrid Imaging Systems, Institute of Computer Science, FORTH, Crete, Greece.,Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Greece
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