The Painful Neuroma and the Use of Conduits

Treatment of neuromas in the foot and ankle is evolving. A paucity of studies deals with neuromas in this region; most knowledge comes from hand surgery. A trend toward reconstructive surgery using nerve grafts and conduits for nerves with critical function is being seen. For noncritical nerves, generally accepted treatment is neuroma resection and burial into a tissue bed. A clear knowledge of neural anatomy is paramount, together with correct identification of all the nerves involved in the pain-generation process. More studies dealing with neuromas in this area are needed for evidence-based information.