Recurrent pain following interdigital neurectomy--a plantar approach.

Thirty patients with 39 recurrent interdigital neuromas were evaluated to determine the success of subsequent surgery. Two surgical techniques were used to resect the nerve over a 2.5-year period and their results were compared. One consisted of exposure through the previous dorsal incision and the other of exposure through a transverse plantar incision proximal to the metatarsal heads. Overall results revealed significant improvement for greater than 80% of patients after their final operation. Less than 50% gained complete relief, however, and 58% experienced persistent discomfort in certain types of shoes. The plantar approach offers a simplified, less traumatic exposure of the nerve in a more proximal location. No healing problems were encountered with the proximal plantar incision.