ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To compare the outcome following lateral plantar nerve release with or without calcaneal drilling for resistant plantar fasciitis. METHODS: 30 women and 3 men aged 30 to 60 (mean, 45) years with resistant plantar fasciitis were randomised to undergo release of the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve with (group 1, n=18) or without (group 2, n=15) calcaneal drilling. RESULTS: Patients were followed up for a mean of 27 months. According to the modified Mayo scoring system for plantar fasciotomy, group 1 was superior to group 2 in terms of score (93.9±6.97 vs. 83±8.2, p<0.001) and grading (15 excellent, 2 good, and one fair vs. 6 excellent, 4 good, and 5 fair; p=0.031). Three patients in group one and one patient in group 2 (16.7% vs. 6.6%, p=0.381) developed complications of heel numbness, foot oedema, and 2 cases of superficial wound infection, respectively. CONCLUSION: Adding calcaneal drilling to release of the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve achieves better outcome than release alone in patients with resistant plantar fasciitis.
