Morton’s Neuroma Resection Patient Education Module Study

Forefoot pain due to a Morton’s neuroma is a common problem that brings patients to the Victorian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Clinic. Non-operative therapy of Morton’s neuroma involves the use of orthotics, shoe-wear modification and possibly injection of cortisone around the irritated nerve. If symptoms persist despite appropriate non-operative therapies surgery may be required. Mortons’ neuroma resection surgery usually involves removal of the irritated nerve from the painful foot. Such surgery is generally successful, but there are some risks and limitations of the surgery and thus the decision whether to proceed with surgery needs to be carefully considered.

Dr Beischer has been actively involved in developing multi-media technology for assisting the understanding of patients considering orthopaedic surgery.  This study is designed to assess this technology for patients considering Morton’s neuroma resection surgery.  If you attend the clinic and are considered a candidate for Morton’s neuroma resection surgery, you may be invited to participate in this study.  Participation in the study is not particularly onerous and would simply involve you completing a short questionnaire following your consultation with Dr Beischer and viewing the Mortons’ neuroma resection surgery patient education multi-media module.  This usually adds an extra 15 minutes to the time that you are in the clinic, for which you would need to make appropriate allowance. This study has been assessed and approved by the Human Ethics Research Committee at the Epworth HealthCare and is purely voluntary.  If you have any further questions regarding this trial, please contact Kate, the Clinic Research Co-ordinator at kate@footsurgeon.com.au.