Ultrasound-guided Therapeutic Injection and Cryoablation of the Medial Plantar Proper Digital Nerve (Joplin's Nerve): Sonographic Findings, Technique, and Clinical Outcomes

Abstract

Rationale and objectives: The medial plantar proper digital nerve, also called Joplin's nerve, arises from the medial plantar nerve, courses along the medial hallux metatarsophalangeal joint, and can be a source of neuropathic pain due to various etiologies, following acute injury including bunion surgery and repetitive microtrauma. We describe our clinical experience with diagnostic ultrasound assessment of Joplin's neuropathy and technique for ultrasound-guided therapeutic intervention including both injection and cryoablation over a 6-year period.

Materials and methods: Retrospective review of all diagnostic studies performed for Joplin's neuropathy and therapeutic Joplin's nerve ultrasound-guided injections and cryoablations between 2012 and 2018 was performed. Indications for therapeutic injection and cryoablation, were recorded. Studies were assessed for sonographic abnormalities related to the nerve and perineural soft tissues. Post-treatment outcomes including immediate pain scores, clinical follow-up, and periprocedural complications were documented.

Results: Twenty-four ultrasound-guided procedures were performed, including 15 perineural injections and nine cryoablations. With respect to sonographic abnormalities, nerve thickening (33%) and perineural hypoechoic scar tissue (27%) were the most common findings. The mean pain severity score prior to the therapeutic injection was 6.4/10 (range 4-10) and 0.25/10 (range 0-2) following the procedure; mean follow-up was 26.2 months (range 3-63 months). All of the cryoablation patients experienced sustained pain relief with a mean length follow-up of 3.75 months (range 0.2-10 months).

Conclusion: Therapeutic injection of Joplin's nerve is a safe and easily performed procedure under ultrasound guidance, with high rates of immediate symptom improvement. For those experiencing a relapse or recurrent symptoms, cryoablation offers an effective secondary potential treatment option.