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Comparative Study
. 2010 Nov;130(11):1343-7.
doi: 10.1007/s00402-009-1034-2. Epub 2009 Dec 24.

Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy versus extracorporeal shock wave therapy for treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis

Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed Othman  1 , Ehab Mohamed Ragab
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy versus extracorporeal shock wave therapy for treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis

Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed Othman et al. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2010 Nov.

Abstract

Background: Planter fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain in adults. Many treatment options exist. Most of patients resolve with conservative management. Approximately 10% of patients develop persistent and often disabling symptoms.

Patients and methods: This prospective study includes 37 patients with an established diagnosis of chronic plantar fasciitis, aiming to compare two different techniques of treatment. First group includes 17 patients with a mean age of 42 years treated by endoscopic plantar fasciotomy (EPF); the mean follow-up was 11 months. Second group includes 20 patients with a mean age of 45 years treated by extracorporeal shock Wave Therapy (ESWT); the mean follow-up was 7.6 months.

Results: In the first group (EPF), using the visual analog scale the average post-operative pain was improved from 9.1 to 1.6. Post-operatively, 58.8% had no limitation of functional activities, 35.3% had minimal limitation of activities and 5.9% had moderate limitation of activities. Concerning patient satisfaction, 82.3% of patients were completely satisfied, 11.8% of patients were satisfied with reservation and 5.9% of patients were unsatisfied. For the second group (ESWT), using the visual analog scale the average post-operative pain was improved from 9 to 2.1. Post-operatively, 50% had no functional limitation of activities, 35% had minimal limitation of activities, 10% had moderate limitation of activities, and 5% had severe limitation of activities. Concerning patient satisfaction, 75% of patients were completely satisfied and 25% were satisfied with reservation or unsatisfied.

Conclusion: Because of better results with endoscopic release versus the benefits of no complications, no immobilization, and early resumption of full activities with ESWT, we conclude that ESWT is a reasonable earlier line of treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis before EPF.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Mean pre-operative pain
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Mean follow-up duration and post-operative pain scale
Fig. 3
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Post-operative limitation of activities
Fig. 4
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Post-operative patient satisfaction
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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