Evaluation of the Results of Endoscopic Release of Plantar Fascia in Cases of Resistant Chronic Heel Pain

AIM: To evaluate the results of endoscopic release of plantar fascia in resistant cases of heel pain.

METHODS: An experimental descriptive study involved twenty patients who presented to University hospital with resistant chronic plantar heel pain due to plantar fasciitis, were treated with endoscopic plantar fasciotomy. All patients completed a period of at least six months follow up. Data were collected by the modified American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Questionnaire, informed consent was applied, and SPSS was used for data entry and analysis.

RESULTS: At the end of follow up the mean modified AOFAS of ankle- hind foot score was improved from 49.10 (ranging from 34 to 56) pre-operatively to 90.25 post operatively (ranging from 67 to 100). Seven patients (35%) had excellent results, ten patients (50%) had good results, two patients had fair results, and one patient (5%) had a poor result. AOFAS score of pain was improved from a mean of 14.0+9.40 points pre-operatively (range 0 – 20) to 31.5 + 6.71 points post-operatively (range 20 – 40). AOFAS score of activity of daily living improved from a mean of 4+0 points pre-operatively to 9.85+0.671post-operatively ranging from 7 to 10 points.

CONCLUSION: Endoscopic release of plantar fascia has positive therapeutic effects in cases of resistant chronic heel pain.