Chronic plantar fasciitis: Plantar fasciotomy versus gastrocnemius recession

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare results of partial proximal fasciotomy (PPF) with proximal medial gastrocnemius release (PMGR) in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis (CPF). Method This retrospective study compares 30 patients with CPF that underwent PPF with 30 that underwent isolated PMGR. Both groups were matched in terms of previous treatments and time from onset of symptoms to surgery. Different standardised evaluation scales (VAS, Likert, AOFASh) were used to evaluate results. Results Plantar fasciotomy had satisfactory results in just 60 % of patients, with an average ten weeks needed to resume work and sports. Patient satisfaction in the PMGR group reached 95 %, being back to work and sports at three weeks on average. Functional and pain scores were considerably better for PMGR and fewer complications registered. Conclusion In our series, isolated PMGR is a simple and reliable procedure to treat patients with CPF. It provides far better results than conventional fasciotomy with less morbidity and better patient satisfaction, and thus has become our surgical procedure of choice in recalcitrant CPF.

Comparison of the efficacy of three isolated gastrocnemius recession procedures in a cadaveric model of gastrocnemius tightness

“…The recession and lengthening of the gastrocnemius has become an important ancillary procedure in many reconstructive operations, such as hallux valgus, pes plano-valgus and total ankle arthroplasty surgery [4][5][6]. Additionally, isolated gastrocnemius recession is also performed alone to treat plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinosis, metatarsalgia and diabetic forefoot ulceration [2,7,8].…”

The Effect of Gastrocnemius Tightness on the Pathogenesis of Juvenile Hallux Valgus

“…1A, B). 4 The consequences of this tightness on the foot and ankle have been well documented, particularly for Achilles tendinopathy, 5-10 plantar fasciitis, [11][12][13][14][15][16] and generally for hindfoot disorders. 17 However, there are fewer studies of the effects of the gastrocnemius on the forefoot, particularly the association with hallux valgus deformity.…”

Endoscopic Gastrocnemius Recession for the Treatment of Isolated Gastrocnemius Contracture

“…The satisfaction rates at 1 year were superior in the gastrocnemius release group (95% vs 60%). 21 The preoperative pain score decreased from 8/10 to 3/10. Our improvement in VAS pain score (3 points) appeared modest compared to the 2 studies described above.…”