Endoscopic approach for plantar fasciopathy: a long-term retrospective study

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to report the long term effectiveness of endoscopic plantar fascia release for recalcitrant plantar fasciopathy. Materials Twenty-three consecutive patients underwent endoscopically-assisted plantar fascia release for symptomatic plantar fasciopathy unresponsive to nonoperative measures. The clinical diagnosis was supported by imaging (plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was administered to all patients. All patients underwent endoscopic plantar fascia release. Postoperatively, patients were assessed at clinical examination and the AOFAS score was administered. Results Twenty-two (26 feet) of the 23 patients included in our original cohort returned to our clinic at an average final follow-up of 9.6 years. The mean preoperative AOFAS score of 51 (range, 41-63) improved to 89 (range, 41-97) at the last follow-up, with no statistically significant difference between patients with or without calcaneal bone spur (p=0.43). At the last appointment, physically active patients reported significantly higher AOFAS scores than sedentary patients (p=.008). Conclusions This endoscopic plantar approach could be a viable alternative to more invasive procedures for management of recalcitrant plantar fasciopathy. Future randomised controlled trials are needed.

Partial Plantar Fasciotomy Using Endoscope with Inner Two-Channel Portals Produced Better Functional Outcomes Than Mini-Open Procedures for The Treatment of Refractory Plantar Fasciitis

“…Although some scholars obtained satisfactory clinical results after they completely cut off the fascia, but complete cutting the plantar fascia may affect the stability of the longitudinal arch; [32] (5) Although the calcaneus spur is not the main cause of fasciitis, the calcaneus may cause the aggravation of fascial inflammation. Therefore, it is recommended to perform a calcaneus spur resection in patients with it; [33,34] (6) Exchanging the lens and planer channel can be performed to observe omnidirectionally and treat fascia lesions; (7) Loosening fasciae of abductor muscles in the big and/or small toe can be performed to detect the plantar outer nerves and to confirm the diagnosis; (8) After surgery, it is recommended to use a plasma cutter to perform thorough microscopic hemostasis, which can help to prevent the recurrence of disease caused by the mechanical operations of bleeding tissue.…”

Outcomes of plantar fasciotomy to treat plantar fasciitis

“…Na validação da escala, tendo em vista que os autores não correlacionaram os valores numéricos a excelente, bom, regular e péssimo (14) , foi necessária a utilização de um questionário de qualidade de vida genérico com categorização avaliada separadamente que, no somatório final, apresenta um escore que também varia de zero a cem pontos, sendo que zero corresponde ao pior estado de saúde e cem ao melhor estado de saúde (SF-36, the medical outcome study 36-item short-form health survey) (15)(16)(17) , de acordo com a tabela 1. Através dos estudos de comparação das escalas e após a tradução e validação do escore AOFAS, obtivemos um escore válido e reprodutível, capaz de avaliar nossos pacientes tendo como base aspectos clínicos e funcionais (14,18) .…”

Foot and Ankle Injuries in the Young Tennis Athlete

“…Some physicians have advocated the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection to treat plantar fasciitis; however, further studies are required. Surgical release of the plantar fascia is rarely required and can be performed either open or endoscopically [ 18 ]. Surgical treatment should not be considered unless the patient has been treated conservatively for at least 6 months [ 19 ].…”