Ultrasound guided cryosurgery for Morton’s neuroma

1. This procedure has a higher efficacy and potency when compared to Moton’s neuroma surgery. Additionally, the risk of complications or adverse effects (such as post-procedure pain and inflammation is also low. Most patients are able to resume their day-to-day activities within 5 days.
2. Cryosurgery procedure usually only destroys the superficial nerve sheaths without causing any harm to the other parts of the nerve (known as the perinerium and epineurium). This preserves the sensations in the feet (unlike most surgical modalities)
3. The risk of neuroma stump formation is very low because in cryosurgery the nerve is not cut. In Morton’s neuroma surgery the nerve is usually cut and a painful neuroma stump is a common complication.
4. Cryosurgery is usually done in the out-patient setting making it more convenient for patients.

          What to expect after the ultrasound guided cyrosurgery procedure?

Ultrasound guided cyrosurgery is usually followed by mild localized pain and little to no bruising. In most cases, the pain and bruising disappears within 3-4 days post-procedure. Complete resolution of pain occurs within 2-4 weeks after the procedure.

According to a research study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery(1), investigators reported the results of cryoablation for Morton’s neuroma. The study concluded that cryosurgery is at lease as effective as surgical intervention however, post-procedure disability scores and patient satisfactions scores are much higher in cryosurgery when compared to conventional surgical interventions.

Complications of cryosurgery:

Cryosurgery is a fairly safe procedure with a minimal risk of complications. Some complications have been reported such as:

• Abscess formation or mild self-resolving infection
• Damage to sensation in the foot (often between the toes)
• Scarring (in genetically susceptible individuals)
• Prolonged soreness and numbness

The rate of complications is usually negligible if the procedure is performed by a provider well experienced in ultrasound guided cryosurgery.

Contraindications of cryosurgery for Morton’s neuroma:

Although Cryosurgery is an excellent procedure for the long term management of Morton’s neuroma; it may not be an appropriate option for some individuals. For example, individuals who are suffering from peripheral artery disease (advanced atherosclerosis) or compromised circulation are not ideal candidates for this procedure. This is mainly because exposure to cold temperature may aggravate the risk of nerve damage and vascular fibrosis in these subjects. Moreover, individuals with a history of Raynaud’s disease (or other autoimmune disorders) are also not ideal candidates for this procedure.

Morton’s neuroma is a chronic and debilitating condition that gradually compromises the quality of an individual’s life. Thankfully, there are several excellent non-surgical procedures that we offer to treat Morton’s neuroma and these interventional treatments result in long term pain relief and resolution of symptoms. Click here to see a list of the non-surgical Morton’s neuroma treatments we offer.

Cryosurgery for your Morton’s neuroma may a suitable procedure for you. You should discuss your treatment options with a provider who is well experienced with a range of non-surgical options to decide which is the best solution for you.