Rupture of plantar fascia: Current standard of therapy: A systematic literature review

Abstract

Background: The aim of the present systematic literature review is to give an overview of ruptures of the plantar fascia. For this purpose, a detailed description of the patient collective is provided. However, the focus of this analysis is based on the current therapy concepts. Based on the results the authors propose a standardized therapy concept.

Material and methods: A systematic literature review was performed using the PubMed database using the terms: ("rupture plantar fascia" OR "plantar fascia tear" OR "rupture plantar aponeurosis"). All articles published in the PubMed database until 07.11.2018 were included. The articles were evaluated with regard to three research question: (1) Which patients are affected by a rupture of the plantar fascia? (2) Which therapy concept was used to treat rupture of the plantar fascia? And (3) which result was achieved and how was this measured?

Results: A total of 78 studies were identified, of which the full text of 17 were analysed. 12 publications were cases reports, 5 studies were retrospective analyses. Data from 124 patients could be included. The average age of patients was 39.6 years. In 63.2% (n = 12) of the studies, patients with a high level of athletic activity or even professional athletes were analyzed. 94.4% of all patients were treated conservatively. The average duration of immobilization in a rigid walker was 2.6 weeks. In the majority of cases, pain-adapted weight-bearing was allowed in the rigid walker.

Conclusion: There are few available studies concerning the rupture of plantar fascia. The quality of data is poor. The maximum duration of immobilization of 3 weeks in a rigid walker with pain-adapted weight-bearing appears to be the most applied therapy concept. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of the therapy and to optimize the therapy concept.

Keywords: Heel pain; Plantar fascia tear; Review; Rupture plantar fascia; Treatment.