Is Ultrasound or MRI Better?

Is ultrasound or MRI better for Morton’s neuroma?

Short answer: Both can identify Morton’s neuroma. High-quality ultrasound is dynamic, accessible and can guide treatment in the same sitting; MRI is useful when the diagnosis is uncertain or another pathology is suspected.

A meta-analysis reported similar sensitivity for ultrasound and MRI. Ultrasound allows compression of the interspace, comparison with the opposite foot and real-time identification of the nerve, bursa and adjacent joints.

Imaging findings must match the clinical pain location. Asymptomatic neuromas occur, so treating an image rather than the patient can produce disappointing results.