지간 신경종에서 보존적 치료 및 수술적 치료의 임상적 결과

Clinical Result of Conservative Treatment and Operative Treatment for Interdigital Neuroma

Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness of ultrasound and MRI in diagnosing Morton's Neuroma, and the effect and significance of stepwise treatment. Materials and Methods: Out of all patients suspected of Morton's neuroma through history taking and physical examination, 77 patients (84 feet, 95 lesions) in whom Morton's neuroma was confirmed by ultrasound or MR imaging study or was clinically suspected with negative imaging studies, and followed up for over 3 months were included. In all cases, history taking and imaging study were done, and by comparison with operative findings of the patients, the sensitivity of ultrasound and MRI was checked. Postoperative evaluation was done using the AOFAS scale. The patient's satisfaction was also examined. Results: Morton's neuroma occurred most frequently at the $3^{rd}$ web space of the foot (56%), followed by the $2^{nd}$ web space (44%). Out of 15 cases suspected of morton's neuroma through ultrasound study, 13 were pathologically positive showing a sensitivity of 85.7%. Out of 16 cases suspected of morton's neuroma through MRI, 14 were pathologically positive showing a sensitivity of 83.3%. There was no significant difference in sensitivity between the two imaging modalities. Conclusion: In diagnosing Morton's neuroma, ultrasound examination had a similar sensitivity with MRI, therefore can be used as a screening study.