Introduction
Previous research has failed to show a correlation between the size of a neuroma and the level of pain experienced. The aim of this study was to determine if the proportion of the inter-space that a neuroma occupies has an impact on the level of pain and disability experienced.
Methods
Forty consecutive subjects with third inter-space neuromas identified on ultrasound were included. The size of the neuroma and the inter-space were measured using ultrasound by the same examiner. Neuroma diameter was measured non-weightbearing plantarly and the inter-space was measured from the dorsal aspect when weightbearing. The proportion of the space occupied by the neuroma was calculated. Visual analogue pain scores and the Manchester-Oxford foot pain and disability questionnaire were collected.
Results
Analysis of the data collected failed to show any correlations between the proportion of the space the neuroma occupies with either of the outcome measures used. The hypothesis; the greater proportion a neuroma occupies within the inter-space the greater the level of pain and disability experienced can be rejected.
Discussion
The proportion of the inter-space that is occupied by a neuroma does not correlate to the level of pain and disability experienced.
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