Nerve Ablation in the Foot and Ankle

Ablation therapies in the foot and ankle are accessible adjuncts to surgery and comprehensive pain management in recalcitrant pain syndromes. Techniques are best applied to individual patient anatomy with strong advantages in a working knowledge of neuromuscular real-time imaging with ultrasound. Interventionists face the unique challenge in this region of preserving balance and proprioception as well as intrinsic muscle function, while optimizing pain relief. A decision-making approach emphasizing selectivity by using regional and target-specific ablations is optimal. This article reviews basic technique, approaches, potential complications, and ultrasound anatomy for a practical introduction to ablation options in the foot and ankle.