Histologic evaluation of intermetatarsal Morton's neuroma.

BACKGROUND

The present study was conducted in an attempt to obtain consistent similarities among histologic findings of surgically excised neuromas. Secondly, we looked for a correlation between the presence of a neuroma with certain comorbidities.

METHODS

A total of 22 specimens with a preoperative diagnosis of Morton's neuroma were sent to the pathology laboratory, and evaluation was performed by a single pathologist.

RESULTS

Degenerative changes were seen in 59% of the specimens. Patient age showed trends toward affecting nerve fibrosis, nerve diameter, vessel obstruction, and degenerative changes. The most frequent comorbidity was hypertension, seen in 44% of the participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant histologic similarities among results were not seen; however, certain trends were discovered. Degenerative changes were appreciated in most specimens. Definite histologic findings of neuroma recur, but difficulty in consistent reproducibility may be related to factors such as age, sex, and comorbidities.