Success rate of surgery to remove nerve due to neuroma?
(3 discussions)
I was wondering what the success rate is for surgery when you have a Morton’s neuroma (mine is between toe #2 and #3).
I was told they remove a portion of the nerve, and that also they at times do a “splicing” of a ligament to enlarge the space.
Do most or all surgeries for Morton’s neuroma become successful? And if they splice a ligament, doesn’t that weaken your foot structure some?
I am trying to decide whether or not to have the surgery, and I’d like to know average success rates.
I want to ask this from more than just my doc – who knows if he would be 100% accurate with an answer to me. Thanks for your input.
3 comments
sue
I had a neuroma surgery 3 years ago and I have developed stump neuroma which was 100 times more painfull than the original pain. My doctor said 85% success rate. However, I couldn’t walk straigth up until 8 months after the surgery. I had to limp and had to quit my job. I had 7 alcohol injections at the surgery site but no relief. My foot is very sensitive to touch and not same as before.
Good luck with your surgery.
Vivian Abrams DPM
I am reluctant to throw out a gratuitous quote of rate of success, since I can not speak for every surgeon. Generally, we do not do a surgery with the anticipation of it not working. However, having said that, there is no one who does surgery who is successful 100% of the time. Having also said that, every surgeon probably has a patient who they have done everything picture perfect, by the book, no problems etc and yet there is still a less than desired result according to the patient. There are also other patients who for whatever reason, the result is not what was desireds, and yet they are extremely pleased.
You should not have an elective surgery unless you fully understand the potential risks, hazards and complications that could arise. You should discuss you concerns with your doctor.
joanne
I completely agree, and I always have checked everything out before continuing with ANY kind of treatment I have had before. This is why I wanted to post here – to get advice and opinions from other people with similar problems.And I have talked with my doc, and most likely will again with more questions. I just wanted to get outside opinions, as I stated. As far as “elective” surgery goes, I would not classify it as elective. When a person is subjected to pain every day and is unable to go up and down stairs without pain in the foot, and as a result the limping causes pain in my hip and lower back — then I don’t consider this elective. I can only look at it as a possible solution to the problem. Non-surgical treatments have not helped at all.My intention is not to sound hostile here towards you, Dr. Abrams, or towards anyone else. I am just trying to let everyone know how I feel and what has been tried and failed. I appreciate your taking time to reply to my post, and I think this forum is an asset to all web surfers looking for info and support.