Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for interdigital neuroma: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

We sought to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy as a therapeutic treatment for destroying Morton's neuroma.

METHODS:

Twenty-five patients (25 feet) were included in the study. Indications for participation were more than 8 months of conservative care with a visual analog scale pain score of 4 or greater. The mean overall pain score on a modified visual analog scale was 6.9 preoperatively.

RESULTS:

Thirteen patients were randomized to the active group and 12 to the sham group. Two patients in the sham group were lost to follow-up. Post-treatment evaluations were performed at 1, 6, and 12 weeks by a blinded investigator (L.W.). The end point evaluation parameter was the reduction in visual analog scale score. The treatment group showed a significant difference before and after extracorporeal shockwave therapy (P < .0001). The sham group did not have a significant difference after 12 weeks (P = .1218).

CONCLUSIONS:

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a possible alternative to surgical excision for Morton's neuroma.

• Authors: Robert Fridman, Jarrett D Cain, Lowell Weil Jr
• Journal: Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc) 2009 May-Jun Vol. 99 Issue 3 Pg. 191-3 ISSN: 8750-7315 [Print] United States
• PMID: 19448168 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Topics

• Double-Blind Method
• Follow-Up Studies
• Forefoot, Human
• High-Energy Shock Waves (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Neuroma (diagnosis, radiotherapy)
• Treatment Outcome