|
Chemical Neurolysis for the Treatment of Neuromas
The chemical destruction of the nerve, called
neurolysis, is an older form of treatment that has recently come back
into vogue. This treatment requires a series of injections of ethanol
mixed with a local anesthetic. The injections are given into the area
of the neuroma. Nerve tissue has a natural affinity for ethanol, and it
is readily absorbed into the nerve. Ethanol, however, is toxic to nerve
tissue and with repeated exposure, will destroy the nerve. The rate of
success is variable, but has been reported to be over 60%. Many
insurance plans will not pay for weekly injections and require the
doctor to wait a minimum of ten days between injections before they
will reimburse for the procedure. This likely reduces the rate of
success for this treatment, because during the time between the
injections, the nerve will attempt to repair itself. One way to solve
this delay is for the patient to pay for those injections not paid for
by the insurance plan. The disadvantages for this form of treatment are
the need for repeated visits to the doctorﾒs office, and the occasional
pain in the area of the injection the following day or two after it has
been administered. The advantages to this form of treatment is that it
requires a minimal amount of time off of work and the overall cost as
compared to the surgical removal of the nerve. If this form of
treatment fails, then surgical removal is the only option that remains.
Back to Top
|
 |
|
