Infiltrative Type I Collagen in the Treatment of Morton's Neuroma: A Mini-Series

J Clin Med. 2023 Jul 12;12(14):4640. doi: 10.3390/jcm12144640.

Abstract

Morton's neuroma (MN) is a compressive neuropathy of the common plantar digital nerve, most commonly affecting the third inter-digital space. The conservative approach is the first recommended treatment option. However, other different approaches have been proposed, offering several options of treatments, where, several degrees of efficacy and safety have been reported. We treated five consecutive patients affected by MN through three indirect ultrasound-guided injections of type I porcine collagen at weekly intervals. All patients were assessed before the treatment, after the treatment and up to 6 months after the last injection via AOFAS and VNS scores for pain, in which the function and pain were evaluated, respectively. In all patients, both analyzed variables progressively ameliorated, with benefits lasting until the last follow-up. The trend of the scores during the follow-up showed significant statistical differences. No side effects occurred. To our knowledge, this is the first study on injections of type I porcine collagen for the treatment of Morton's neuroma. Future research is needed to confirm the positive trend achieved in this MN mini-series.

Keywords: Morton’s neuroma; US-guided injection; case mini-series; clinical treatment; type I porcine collagen.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding. The APC was funded by [GUNA spa, Milan, Italy].