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Morton's neuroma (MN) is a compressive neuropathy of the common plantar digital nerve, most commonly affecting the third inter-digital space. The conservative approach is the first recommended treatment option. However, other different approaches have been proposed, offering several options of treatments, where, several degrees of efficacy and safety have been reported. We treated five consecutive patients affected by MN through three indirect ultrasound-guided injections of type I porcine collagen at weekly intervals. All patients were assessed before the treatment, after the treatment and up to 6 months after the last injection via AOFAS and VNS scores for pain, in which the function and pain were evaluated, respectively. In all patients, both analyzed variables progressively ameliorated, with benefits lasting until the last follow-up. The trend of the scores during the follow-up showed significant statistical differences. No side effects occurred. To our knowledge, this is the first study on injections of type I porcine collagen for the treatment of Morton's neuroma. Future research is needed to confirm the positive trend achieved in this MN mini-series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a case of lower bilobectomy complicated by a large bronchopleural fistula and empyema 1 month after primary surgery. The patient was immediately treated with an open window thoracostomy. After surgical debridement, an Amplatzer Septal Occluder device (AGA Medical Corp, Plymouth, MN) was positioned to close the fistula. Thereafter, the thoracostomy rapidly and spontaneously closed with vacuum-assisted closure therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]