Alcohol Injection
Why Inject Alcohol?
Diluted Dehydrated Alcohol (100% ethanol) has been suggested as a treatment option for Mortons neuroma (Neuroma, ‘Bursal – Neuromal Complex’, intermetatarsal bursitis)
A neuroma is thought to be caused by fibrous degeneration of the soft tissues around the nerve, demyelination and endoneurial fibrosis of the nerve (1,2)
For complete information about Interdigital Neuromas click here
It has been suggested that injection of ethanol (100% Alcohol, Dehydrated Alcohol) when injected into a nerve causes neurolysis by means of dehydration, necrosis and wallerian degeneration
Alcohol Injection at the Ankle, Foot and Orthotic Centre
Across the literature concentration of the 100% Dehydrated Alcohol that is injected into the nerve ranges from 4-50% (3-12)
At the Ankle, Foot and Orthotic Centre we use a sterile solution of 30% dehydrate alcohol and 70% anesthetic.
Around 0.5 – 1ml of the solution is injected into the center of the neuroma (see below)
What does the literature suggest?
Alcohol injections are a safe option for the treatment of interdigital neuroma. With most studies suggesting that there is a reduction in pain or complete resolution. (3-12)
The Ankle, Foot and Orthotic Centre’s Northcote Podiatrists can help with advanced treatment options including Alcohol injection. Make an appointment to get your foot and ankle pain under control.
Expert Podiatrists for the treatment of Mortons Neuroma with Alcohol injection. Alcohol injection in Northcote, Thornbury, Fitzroy, North Fitzroy, Carlton, North Carlton, Alphington, Fairfield, Brunswick, Coburg and Preston
Call The Ankle, Foot and Orthotic Centre for further advice on professional management and treatment options.
References
- Giakoumis M, Ryan JD, Jani J. Histologic Evaluation of Intermetatarsal Morton’s Neuroma. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. 2013;103(3):218-22
- Cohen SL, Miller TT, Ellis SJ, Roberts MM, DiCarlo EF. Sonography of Morton Neuromas: What Are We Really Looking At? J Ultrasound Med. 2016;35(10):2191-5.
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Santos D, Morrison G, Coda A. Sclerosing alcohol injections for the management of intermetatarsal neuromas: A systematic review. The Foot. 2018;35:36-47.
- Lorenzon P, Rettore C. Mechanical Metatarsalgia as a Risk Factor for Relapse of Morton’s Neuroma After Ultrasound-Guided Alcohol Injection. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2018.
- Perini L, Perini C, Tagliapietra M, Varotto D, Valcarenghi A, Postorino A, et al. Percutaneous alcohol injection under sonographic guidance in Morton’s neuroma: follow-up in 220 treated lesions. Radiol med. 2016;121(7):597-604.
- Santos D, Morrison G, Coda A. Sclerosing alcohol injections for the management of intermetatarsal neuromas: A systematic review. The Foot. 2018;35:36-47.
- Fanucci E, Masala S, Fabiano S, Perugia D, Squillaci E, Varrucciu V, et al. Treatment of intermetatarsal Morton’s neuroma with alcohol injection under US guide: 10-month follow-up. Eur Radiol. 2004;14(3):514-8.
- Dockery GL. The treatment of intermetatarsal neuromas with 4% alcohol sclerosing injections. J Foot Ankle Surg. 1999;38(6):403-8.
- Hughes RJ, Ali K, Jones H, Kendall S, Connell DA. Treatment of Morton’s neuroma with alcohol injection under sonographic guidance: follow-up of 101 cases. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2007;188(6):1535-9.
- Hyer CF, Mehl LR, Block AJ, Vancourt RB. Treatment of recalcitrant intermetatarsal neuroma with 4% sclerosing alcohol injection: a pilot study. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2005;44(4):287-91.
- Musson RE, Sawhney JS, Lamb L, Wilkinson A, Obaid H. Ultrasound guided alcohol ablation of Morton’s neuroma. Foot Ankle Int. 2012;33(3):196-201.
- Pasquali C, Vulcano E, Novario R, Varotto D, Montoli C, Volpe A. Ultrasound-guided alcohol injection for Morton’s neuroma. Foot Ankle Int. 2015;36(1):55-9.