Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy for Chronic Heel Pain

Abstract

The purpose of our study was to determine whether endoscopic plantar fasciotomy is a safe and effective operation in this patient population. We reviewed our surgical results following endoscopic plantar fasciotomy in sixteen patients (twenty feet) with an average preoperative duration of symptoms of four years. Of the 20 feet, 9 had complete relief of pain while symptoms were improved in nine feet. One patient with bilateral symptoms had no relief in either foot. The average AOFAS hindfoot score improved from 62 to 80, a statistically significant difference. Unilateral patients did better than bilateral with no bilateral patients reporting complete resolution of symptoms. There were no iatrogenic nerve injuries. On the basis of our review, we recommend endoscopic plantar fasciotomy as an alternative to open plantar fascial release for those patients with recalcitrant heel pain.

Endoscopic Plantar Fascia Release: A Case Series

“…We can report equivalent results to those found by O'Malley, 8 using an endoscopic technique of partial release of the plantar fascia. The vast majority of patients reported satisfaction with the operation and no long-term surgical complications, lending further support to this technique as being safe and effective.…”

Subcalcaneal Bursitis With Plantar Fasciitis Treated by Arthroscopy

“…[11][12][13][14][15] The arthroscopic approach for the plantar fascia includes either a superficial fascial dry technique (without arthroscopic fluid lavage), by use of a slotted or transparent cannula similar to the arthroscopic carpal tunnel release (the arthroscope is located between the skin and the fascia), [11][12][13] or a deep fascial technique with arthroscopic fluid lavage (the arthroscope is located deep in the fascia). 14, 15 Komatsu et al 15 reported that the deep fascial approach for plantar fasciitis allows a wide visual field and working space.…”

Treatment of Resistant Planter Fasciitis: Comparsion of Three Techniques

“…Plantar fascia tension was directly proportional to Achilles tendon tension in cadavers in dynamic gait stimulator, so, Proximal Medial Gastrocnemius Release (PMGR) is an option in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis [15]. However, this technique has some complications.…”