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Comparative Study
. 2013 Sep;37(9):1845-50.
doi: 10.1007/s00264-013-2022-2.

Chronic plantar fasciitis: plantar fasciotomy versus gastrocnemius recession

Manuel Monteagudo  1 , Ernesto Maceira, Virginia Garcia-Virto, Rafael Canosa
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Chronic plantar fasciitis: plantar fasciotomy versus gastrocnemius recession

Manuel Monteagudo et al. Int Orthop. 2013 Sep.

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.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Proximal plantar fascia exposure
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Section of the medial third of the proximal plantar fascia
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Incision planning for proximal medial gastrocnemius release (PMGR) at the medial popliteal fossa
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Exposure of the proximal medial head of the gastrocnemius with a blunt instrument
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Division of the aponeurosis
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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