The treatment of intermetatarsal neuromas with 4% alcohol sclerosing injections.

Abstract

The cause of intermetatarsal neuromas or intermetatarsal neuritis is unclear; however, the most likely pathogenesis is either a mechanically induced degenerative neuropathy or entrapment of the intermetatarsal nerve as it passes under the transverse intermetatarsal ligament. Treatment of intermetatarsal neuromas includes the very simple method of changing shoe styles, more complex conservative treatments with functional orthotic devices, oral anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections, and surgical intervention. In this study, 100 adult patients with previously untreated intermetatarsal neuromas received three to seven injections of a 4% alcohol sclerosing solution every 5-10 days. No additional treatment was provided during the visits. The use of 4% alcohol sclerosing solution showed an 89% success rate. Of the 89 patients who were improved, 82 had complete resolution of symptoms. Eleven patients showed no improvement. The results of this prospective study indicate that the alcohol sclerosis treatment of intermetatarsal neuromas is a viable alternative to serial steroid injections or surgery for persistent symptoms.

• Authors: G L Dockery
• Journal: The Journal of foot and ankle surgery : official publication of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (J Foot Ankle Surg) 1999 Nov-Dec Vol. 38 Issue 6 Pg. 403-8 ISSN: 1067-2516 [Print] United States
• PMID: 10614611 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Sclerosing Solutions
• Ethanol

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Animals
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Ethanol (therapeutic use)
• Female
• Foot Diseases (diagnosis, therapy)
• Humans
• Injections
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neuroma (diagnosis, therapy)
• Prospective Studies
• Sclerosing Solutions (therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome