This is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic plantar fasciitis.
It is also a minimally traumatic surgical treatment for this common problem. This procedure is used to release the fascia’s proximal medial aspect when chronic plantar fasciitis doesn’t respond to an array of aggressive conservative, nonsurgical treatments. Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy has an 87% success rate and less complications than traditional open procedures especially when chronic plantar fasciitis is identified early and is treated properly. When conservative treatment measure don’t work endoscopic plantar fasciotomy is the procedure of choice.
Minimizes Surgical Trauma
Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy has been shown to minimize the surgical trauma people normally suffer when they undergo conventional heel spur surgery. Patients are able to return to their regular activities sooner. They also experience less pain and discomfort when compared to other techniques. Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy also has the same indications as traditional heel spur surgery and doesn’t involve removing the calcaneal spur.
Surgical Technique
The surgical technique involved in an endoscopic plantar fasciotomy requires the foot to be exsanguinated, a pneumatic tourniquet inflated and a 5mm vertical incision made at the heel’s medial aspect located anterior and inferior the medial calcaneal tubercle. The endoscope is then introduced medially to enable the surgeon to see the plantar fascia’s inferior surface on the monitor. The retrograde knife is then used to sever the medial band. The surgeon then inserts the endoscope laterally to get a 180° perspective and sever any remaining fibers and completely release the medial slip.
After The Procedure
Once the surgeon completes the endoscopic plantar fasciotomy, the cannula is removed, the area irrigated and the incisions are reapproximated. They then apply a sterile compression dressing and deflate the tourniquet. Within 24 hours patients should begin putting as much weight on the area as they can tolerate. Patients can begin to wear athletic shoes after about 21 days.
