Endoscopic Plantar Fascia Release Combined With Calcaneal Spur Resection: A Case Series of 40 Patients

Abstract

Purpose

To review the cases of patients treated using endoscopic plantar fascia release (PFR) with calcaneal spur resection (CSR) and examine why the combined procedures cause complications.

Methods

The medical records of patients treated with endoscopic PFR with CSR from November 2017 to December 2019 with a follow-up of >2 years were reviewed.

Results

A total of 40 feet in 40 patients (22 females, 18 males) were enrolled. The mean age and body mass index were 51.1 years and 24.7 kg/m², respectively. The mean follow-up duration was 5.7 years. The visual analog scale for pain improved from 80.7 to 8.8 mm, and the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot score improved from 44.7 to 95.6 points (Wilcoxon signed rank test, P < .001 for both). Complications occurred in 8 patients (20%): 3 had flatfoot, 3 had an injury to the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve, 1 had scar pain, and 1 had a wound infection.

Conclusion

The 40 patients treated with endoscopic PFR with CSR for plantar fasciitis had good outcomes with a high complication rate; the invasiveness of creating the working space for the combined procedures was thought to be responsible.

Levels of Evidence:

Level IV: Case series