Plantar excision of primary interdigital neuromas.

A retrospective study was done of 51 patients (6 males and 45 females) who had 57 primary interdigital neurectomies performed through a plantar incision. The surgical technique is described. The results were divided into three categories, in which 26 feet were judged excellent, 27 feet rated good, and 4 feet were classed as poor. The author concludes that the plantar approach is technically simple and results in a comfortable scar. Poor results occurred in 4 of 57 feet. This failure rate compares favorably with those failure rates in reported series done through a dorsal incision. In the author's opinion, the ability to do a more proximal resection of the nerve--as compared with the dorsal approach--is responsible for the higher rate of success with this method.