BACKGROUND: Operative strategies used in resecting the digital nerve in Morton neuroma emphasize retaining the digital artery. Concern over inadvertent resection of the digital vessel has prompted many surgeons to avoid adjacent interdigital neurectomies when more than one nerve is affected. METHODS: The current study examined 674 consecutive pathologic specimens obtained after neurectomy. RESULTS: The digital vessel was identified along with the resected nerve in 39% of specimens. No adverse effect was recorded from these arterial resections. CONCLUSION: Extensive collateralization of digital vessels is hypothesized to account for the lack of adverse sequelae.
BACKGROUND: Operative strategies used in resecting the digital nerve in Morton neuroma emphasize retaining the digital artery. Concern over inadvertent resection of the digital vessel has prompted many surgeons to avoid adjacent interdigital neurectomies when more than one nerve is affected. METHODS: The current study examined 674 consecutive pathologic specimens obtained after neurectomy. RESULTS: The digital vessel was identified along with the resected nerve in 39% of specimens. No adverse effect was recorded from these arterial resections. CONCLUSION: Extensive collateralization of digital vessels is hypothesized to account for the lack of adverse sequelae.