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US and MRI of the Forefoot: Intermetatarsal Bursitis or Morton's Neuroma

Not Applicable
Conditions
Intermetatarsal Bursitis
Intermetatarsal Neuroma
Morton Neuroma
Interventions
Diagnostic Test: MRI with contrast
Diagnostic Test: Ultrasound
Registration Number
NCT05685160
Lead Sponsor
Rigshospitalet, Denmark
Brief Summary

The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence of intermetatarsal bursitis and Morton's neuroma in patients with metatarsalgia (i.e. pain in the forefoot) and control subjects by diagnostic imaging with ultrasound and MRI.

Detailed Description

In a group of patients with intermetatarsal pain found by an orthopedic surgeon, the investigators want to assess the incidences of intermetatarsal bursitis and Morton's neuroma, using diagnostic imaging; ultrasound and MRI.

The hypothesis is, that intermetatarsal bursitis is an overlooked diagnosis in patients with metatarsalgia. As a result of sparse literature and lack of knowledge about this condition with symptoms mimicking Morton's neuroma, a part of patients diagnosed with Morton's neuroma, suffers from intermetatarsal bursitis instead.

Additionally, the investigators want to evaluate the clinical sign opening toes.

Based on clinical photos of the feet, the investigators want to document the presence of opening toes and investigate if there is a correlation with either intermetatarsal bursitis and/or Morton's neuroma.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
75
Inclusion Criteria
  • Age > 18 years
  • Pain in an intermetatarsal space (patient group)
Exclusion Criteria
  • Age <18 years
  • Open wounds or ongoing infection in the forefoot at the time of examination
  • Persons with contraindications to participate in MRI scan
  • Persons with a history of significant trauma in the forefoot, e.g. any fracture or previous surgeries in the forefoot
  • Persons who have previously received treatment for Morton's neuroma in the same foot, e.g. injection (within 6 months) or operation (anytime)
  • Persons with severely impaired renal function (GFR <30 ml/min)
  • Persons with a systemic inflammatory condition like rheumatoid arthritis, due to clinically silent intermetatarsal bursitis in this group (control group)

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Patient groupUltrasoundPatients with intermetatarsal pain have ultrasound and MRI done
Control groupUltrasoundHealthy individuals (no forefoot pain) undergo ultrasound and MRI scan of the forefoot.
Control groupMRI with contrastHealthy individuals (no forefoot pain) undergo ultrasound and MRI scan of the forefoot.
Patient groupMRI with contrastPatients with intermetatarsal pain have ultrasound and MRI done
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Incidence of intermetatarsal bursitis on MRI8 weeks

High intensity on T2 weighted images, low signal on T1. Thin peripheral enhancement on T1 contrast enhanced pictures.

Incidence of intermetatarsal bursitis on US8 weeks

Hypoechoic mass between metatarsal heads closest to dorsal surface of foot. Compressible. Activity on power/color doppler.

Incidence of Morton's neuroma on MRI8 weeks

Low to Intermediate signal in T1 and T2. Contrast enhancement of the nodular focus.

Incidence of Morton's neuroma on US8 weeks

Hypoechoic mass between metatarsal heads closest to plantar surface of foot. Non-compressible. The interdigital nerve can be seen entering the mass. Close relation to the interdigital artery.

Incidence of other pathology on MRI8 weeks

Other pathology than intermetatarsal bursitis or Morton's neuroma.

Incidence of other pathology on US8 weeks

Other pathology than intermetatarsal bursitis or Morton's neuroma.

Incidence of normal findings on MRI8 weeks

When no findings is observed.

Incidence of normal findings on US8 weeks

When no findings is observed.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Opening toes8 weeks

Presence of opening toes/V-sign/spreading toes.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Department of Radiology

🇩🇰

Copenhagen, Denmark

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