Operative treatment of plantar fasciitis.

Ten patients undergoing 12 fasciotomy by stripping the plantar fascia and superficial plantar muscles from the calcaneus have been reviewed for an average of 24.9 months after the operation. All patients failed to respond to conservative treatment by anti-inflammatory medication, heel pads and local steroid injections for a duration of 6 months to 3 years (average 15 months). There were 7 females and 3 males. Their work was of a light nature and none of them were professional athletes. The results indicated 91.6 per cent excellent, 8.4 per cent good and no failure. Complete pain relief at rest and walking was obtained in 11 of 12 for an average of 11.75 months (from 8 months to 18 months) after surgery. There was only 1 of 12 who had mild pain at walking that did not impair activity. All patients could return to their jobs about 4-6 weeks after surgery. Bloodless operation (under tourniquet control) was performed under general anaesthesia.