Plantar Fasciotomy for Intractable Plantar Fasciitis: Clinical Results and Biomechanical Evaluation

TLDR

Thirteen patients (16 feet) underwent plantar fasciotomy for intractable plantar fasciitis and were followed for 4.5–15 years. The procedure yielded good or excellent outcomes in 71% of feet, yet recovery was slow, additional treatments were common, and patients exhibited persistent foot‑function abnormalities such as arch flattening and altered force distribution.

Abstract

Thirteen consecutive patients underwent plantar fasciotomy in 16 feet for intractable plantar fasciitis and had follow-up from 4.5 to 15 years. Plantar fasciotomy was successful (good or excellent results) for 71% of the 14 feet operated on and for which follow-up data were available. However, time to full recovery was prolonged, additional treatment was frequently required, and abnormalities of foot function persisted. Flattening of the longitudinal arch occurred. Dynamic force-plate studies showed differences in peak vertical, fore-aft, and lateralmedial forces between patients and matched controls. More rapid progression of weightbearing along the longitudinal axis of the foot during stance phase in patients indicated avoidance of heel loading.