Risk of complication

To date, none of our patients have experienced any significant complications from ablative radiofrequency treatment for Morton's neuroma.

Despite this, we believe that the procedure causes more tissue breakdown when compared to cryosurgery. Therefore, we generally recommend radiofrequency when cryosurgery and conservative care has not been successful.

Even though we have found complication rates to be very low, there are a number of possible risks associated with the procedure. These are explained further in the booklet we give to our patients before undergoing invasive treatment. These risks are as follows: 


Infection: 

None of our radiofrequency treatment patients have experienced this to date. Other studies have, however, recorded incidences of infection after the procedure. 


Thrombosis:

We have not encountered this at the Centre. The risk of thrombosis is very low. 

Recurrence:
When radiofrequency fails or recurs, options include a repeat treatment or open surgery.


Regression:

We have rarely seen patients worsen with radiofrequency, however this is possible. 


Complex pain syndrome:

This is a relatively rare condition that is characterised by an abnormal nerve-related response to trauma, including surgery. We have not seen this condition in patients who have undergone radiofrequency. 


Painful scar:

Because of the relatively small incision, none of our patients have experienced painful scars, and this would be highly unlikely to occur.


Haematoma formation:
This is a deep blister that can form after cryosurgery and radiofrequency. Haematomas are relatively common in cryosurgery and naturally break down with time. None of our patients have experienced haematomas after our radiofrequency treatment, but this complication could occur. 


Permanent partial numbness of the one or more toes: 

Whist our patients rarely encounter numbness with cryosurgery, this is more likely to occur to some extent with radiofrequency. Most patients tolerate this well and may not be aware that they have lost sensation. 


NB: we attempt to regularly update these pages but please double check with the Centre for the latest information on our complication rates. This information was last updated in October 2018.