Procedure
Dorsal Neurectomy
For Morton's Neuroma
What It Involves
A dorsal neurectomy is the surgical removal of the thickened, symptomatic portion of the interdigital nerve causing your Morton's neuroma. The operation is performed through a small incision on the top of the foot between the affected metatarsal bones — this dorsal approach avoids a scar on the sole and allows a reliable view of the nerve. The affected segment of nerve is identified, freed from surrounding tissue, and excised.
The procedure is performed under general or regional anaesthesia and typically takes 30–45 minutes as a day surgery case. Permanent numbness between the affected toes is an expected and unavoidable consequence of removing the nerve — the numb area is typically small and confined to the inner-facing sides of the two adjacent toes, and the vast majority of patients find this a very acceptable trade-off for relief of their pre-operative pain.
Recovery Timeline
Everyone heals at a different rate — this timeline is a guide.
Weeks 1–2
Full weight-bearing in a surgical sandal, with the foot elevated when resting. The wound is checked and sutures removed at 2 weeks.
Weeks 2–4
Transition into wide, comfortable shoes as swelling settles. Low-impact activities such as swimming and cycling can resume from around 3–4 weeks.
Weeks 4–6
A clinical review takes place at 6 weeks, by which point most patients have returned to normal footwear and most activities, with running and court sports typically from 6–8 weeks.
3 months
Full activity is resumable, with a final review and discharge at this stage.