Dr. Ronald Hugar is one of the first foot surgeons in the country to perform new surgical techniques for minimally invasive Morton’s neuroma decompressions. The new Isogard system developed by Koby Surgical (www.kobysurgical.com) allows surgeons such as Dr. Hugar to perform these procedures through a small incision while surrounding tissue is protected from trauma. This technique can greatly reduce the recovery time and technical difficulty associated with traditional nerve excision surgical procedures used to relieve the forefoot pain caused by the condition known as Morton’s neuroma.

Morton's Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is caused when the nerve that runs between the metatarsal heads at the base of the patients’ toes begins to enlarge. This area or interspace is compressed when the enlarged nerve presses against the underside of the transverse metatarsal ligament that connects to each side of the metatarsal heads at the base of the toes. In a large percentage of the Morton’s neuroma patients that require surgical intervention, surgeons have previously elected to remove a section of the nerve itself to relieve the patient’s pain. The problem is that removing a section of the nerve causes loss of sensation to a portion of the forefoot. Additionally, there is the potential complication of a stump neuroma that can occur when the severed edges of the nerve enlarge. Now that a new approach to decompressing the nerve can be performed through a single small incision, patients can experience a much faster, less severe recovery while leaving the nerve intact.

Minimally Invasive Means Faster Recovery

With the introduction of the Isogard system, Dr. Hugar can now use one small incision to perform plantar fasciotomies and Morton’s neuroma decompressions in a matter of minutes. These new techniques are performed by inserting the Isogard device through the incision after preparatory instruments have created channels above and below the ligament or fascia. Once the desired section of ligament or fascia has been “released” one or two small stitches are required to close the incision.

Can Be Performed In A Minor Surgery Setting

Since this new surgical system does not require the use of any special endoscopic or other expensive equipment, these surgical procedures can be performed in a minor surgical procedure room eliminating additional costs to insurance companies, surgery centers and patients.