The effectiveness of conventional radiofrequency ablation for chronic plantar heel pain due to heel spur.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of conventional radiofrequency (CRF) ablation treatment on chronic plantar heel pain due to heel spur. METHODS: A total of 20 patients with heel spur who did not respond to conservative treatments were recruited for the study. Under fluoroscopy guidance, CRF was performed to three points at the top, above, and below the heel spur in the longitudinal plane of the foot. Pain intensity, the pressure pain threshold (PPT), and functional status were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), pressure algometers, and the Foot Function Index (FFI). All measurements were taken before the procedure, as well as 1, 3, and 6 months following the procedure. RESULTS: CRF was applied to 20 patients - 16 (80%) females and 4 (20%) males. Their mean age was 51.40+-8.10 years, the mean body mass index was 33.80+-5.47 kg/m2, the mean duration of symptoms was 18.30+-9.02 months, and pes planus was present in 5 patients (25%). A statistically significant decrease was observed in VAS score and PPT and FFI measurements at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th month following CRF compared to before CRF (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: CRF is an effective, safe, minimally invasive method to reduce pain severity in patients with chronic heel pain due to heel spur in the short (0-3 months) and intermediate term (3-6 months).

Novel Radiographic Measurements for Operatively Treated Haglund's Deformity.

BACKGROUND: Haglund's deformity, which is characterized by a bony prominence of the posterosuperior aspect of the calcaneus, causes posterior heel pain. To date, there is no standard radiographic parameter to diagnose symptomatic Haglund's deformity. Herein, we proposed novel radiographic measurements to distinguish between patients with and without symptomatic Haglund's deformity. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated ankle radiographs of 43 patients who underwent surgery for symptomatic Haglund's deformity (Haglund group) and 41 healthy individuals (control group) free of heel complaints. Fowler-Phillip angle (FPA), Heneghan-Pavlov parallel pitch lines (PPL), Haglund's deformity height, bump height, and bump-calcaneus ratio were measured and compared between the groups. Furthermore, the reliability and cut-off value of each parameter were validated via ICC and ROC curve analysis, respectively. RESULTS: The bump height (p < 0.001) and the bump-calcaneus ratio (p < 0.001) showed significant differences between the control and Haglund groups, unlike FPA, PPL, and Haglund's deformity height. ROC curve analysis revealed that the AUC of bump-calcaneus ratio was larger than that of bump height. The optimal threshold was 4 mm or higher for bump height and 7.5% or higher for bump-calcaneus ratio. The intra- and inter- observer ICCs were, respectively, 0.965 and 0.898 for bump height and 0.930 and 0.889 for bump-calcaneus ratio. CONCLUSIONS: This study proposes two novel radiographic parameters to identify operatively treated Haglund's deformity, namely bump height and bump-calcaneus ratio. They are easy to measure and intuitive. Both of them are effective diagnostic parameters for Haglund's deformity. Furthermore, bump-calcaneus ratio is more reliable diagnostic parameter than bump height.

Low-dose radiation treatment for painful plantar enthesophyte: a highly effective therapy with little side effects.

AIM: Plantar enthesophyte is a common degenerative disorder. Surgical and medical treatment options are associated with either poor outcome or high percentage of relapse. Observations have indicated a beneficial effect of radiation therapy. We therefore wanted to evaluate pain reduction using orthovolt or cobalt-based radiation treatment for painful plantar enthesophyte and determine long-term response as well as prognostic parameters in this condition. METHODS: We identified a total of 102 consecutive patients treated for a total of 117 symptomatic heel spurs. 59 patients were treated with cobalt radiation, 31 patients with orthovolt therapy and 12 patients with both radiation systems. Primary outcome measure was pain reduction being scored using the modified Rowe Score prior therapy, at the end of each treatment series as well as after 6 weeks. Secondary outcome measure was long-term outcome, evaluated in patients with a follow-up period of longer than 3 years. RESULTS: Before radiation therapy, 61 patients (60.4%) had a score of 0, significant strong pain. At the time of completion of radiation treatment, 3 patients (2.7%) were pain-free (score of 30), whereas 8 patients (7.9%) had still severe pain (score 0). 6 weeks after radiation therapy, 33 patients (32.7%) were pain-free and 8 patients (7.9%) had severe pain (score 0), while at the time data of collection, 74 patients (73%) were free of pain and 1 patient (1%) had strong pain (score 0). Duration of pain before the start of radiation treatment was a significant prognostic factor (p = 0.012) for response to treatment. CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy of painful plantar enthesophyte is a highly effective therapy with little side effects providing long-term therapeutic response. The only significant prognostic parameter for response to treatment is the duration of pre-radiation therapy pain. Early integration of radiation therapy in the treatment seems to result in superior pain reduction.

Ground reaction force analysis for assessing the efficacy of focused and radial shockwaves in the treatment of symptomatic plantar heel spur.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is among the conservative treatments for symptomatic heel spur. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this trial is to evaluate and compare the therapeutic effects of radial shock wave (RSWT) and focused shock wave (FSWT) applied in the treatment of symptomatic heel spur. METHODS: Fifty-five participants were randomly divided into two comparative groups that were administered FSWT and RSWT, respectively. The severity of dysfunction (Foot Function Index, FFI), ground reaction forces (GRF) and walking temporal parameters were measured in all patients at baseline and at weeks 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 after treatment. RESULTS: In both groups, a gradual decrease in the FFI values occurred after treatment. The percentage reduction in the FFI was comparable for both groups. Statistically significant changes were only noted between some measurements of GRF and walking temporal parameters. The percentage changes in the values of the force and temporal parameters were similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both FSWT and RSWT are efficacious in the treatment of symptomatic heel spur and their therapeutic effects are comparable. Objective data registered by force platforms during walking are not useful for tracing the progress of treatment applied to patients with symptomatic heel spur between consecutive procedures.

Brodie's abscess of the calcaneus in an adult patient.

Brodie's abscess of the calcaneus is an uncommon benign lesion that has rarely been reported in the literature. This study presents a rare case of a Brodie's abscess of the calcaneus caused by Staphylococcus aureus in an adult patient. A 46-year-old immunocompetent man had undergone nonsurgical treatment since childhood owing to the diagnosis of a heel spur. Radiological evaluation revealed a benign radiolucent cystic lesion of the calcaneus surrounded by a sclerotic rim. This condition was accompanied by perilesional bone marrow edema. Thereafter, surgical treatment was planned. During surgery, the content of the lesion was observed to be purulent. Meticulous intralesional debridement was performed, and antibiotic-loaded bone cement beads were placed. Subsequent to microbiological and pathological examinations, the cystic lesion was confirmed to be a Brodie abscess; however, direct clinical evidence of an intraosseous infection was lacking. The patient was followed up for 14 months with no complications until recovery. A Brodie abscess may mimic bone tumors. The onset of a Brodie abscess is insidious, and the clinical findings of such lesions may be obscure. A Brodie abscess of the calcaneus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with chronic heel pain when suspicious radiological findings are evident.

MRI in patients with Haglund's deformity and its influence on therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Heel pain is one of the common reasons why patients consult orthopaedic surgeons in an outpatient setting. The dorsal heel pain is often caused by a Haglund's deformity which is an exostosis of the posterior superior calcaneus. It often leads to Haglund's syndrome with calcaneal bursitis and Achilles tendinosis. This study aims to investigate the roll of MRI in diagnosis of Haglund's syndrome and its influence on therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed data of 45 patients which clinically and radiologically confirmed Haglund's deformity. Patients were divided into two groups that either did not receive MRI (MRI_0) or received MRI (MRI_1). To evaluate the significance, Fisher´s test was used. A statistical significance was assumed at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The average age was 57.0 years. There was no significant difference in therapy comparing the groups MRI_0 and MRI_1. Haglund's syndrome was detected in 86.7% of all patients with Haglund's deformity. CONCLUSION: MRI does not influence the therapy of patients with Haglund's deformity. Therefore, the resources of this cost-intensive and limited type of investigation should be used elsewhere. In cases of atypical heel pain, the MRI might be useful.

The age dependent change in the incidence of calcaneal spur.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between the calcaneal spur incidence and age, gender and side. METHODS: Lateral ankle X-rays of 1335 patients (550 (41.2%) females and 758 (58.8) males; mean age: 46.5 ± 13.5 years) who referred to our hospital because of trauma were reviewed. Incidence of plantar calcaneal spur, posterior calcaneal spur and association of such incidences with age, gender and side were all evaluated. RESULTS: Incidences of plantar calcaneal spur and posterior calcaneal spur were detected as 32.2% (male: 31%, female: 34%) and 13.1% (male: 11%, female: 16%), respectively. Incidence of plantar calcaneal spur increased by age whereas there was not any association with gender and location. The highest incidence was detected as 41.8% over 70 years of age. Incidence of posterior calcaneal spur increased by age and female gender whereas no significant association was observed with location. The highest incidence was detected as 22.3% between 61 and 70 years of age. CONCLUSION: Incidences of plantar and posterior calcaneal spur were detected as 32.2% and 13.1%, respectively. Both plantar and posterior calcaneal spur incidence increases by age. Posterior calcaneal spur occurs significantly more frequently in females while, no difference is found between the males and females in incidence of the plantar calcaneal spur. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, diagnostic study.

Haglund's syndrome. Two case reports. / Síndrome de Haglund. A propósito de 2 casos.

Haglund's syndrome produces posterior impingement of the heel, which is caused by a posterosuperior calcaneal exostosis, known as Haglund's deformity, associated with Achilles tendinitis and retrocalcaneal bursitis. Its pathogenesis is unknown. We report two cases that were diagnosed clinically and confirmed radiographically. One patient was treated conservatively and the other underwent surgery. The diagnosis is based on clinical signs and radiological images, using the measurement of the parallel pitch lines, in a lateral radiograph of the ankle. Initial treatment is usually conservative and includes anti-inflammatory or analgesic agents, physiotherapy and low-heeled, open-heeled shoes. If conservative treatment does not relieve the pain, surgery may be necessary.

Relación de Lunge y Jack Test en la apófisis calcánea (Talalgia de Sever) en futbolistas jóvenes / Relationship of Lunge and Jack test in calcaneal apophysitis (sever´s disease) in young soccer players

La talalgia de Sever o apofisitis calcánea ocurre generalmente antes o durante el pico de crecimiento acelerado en niños y niñas. En ocasiones se presenta al practicar un nuevo deporte que implique desplazamientos y saltos como el fútbol. Fue descrita por el Doctor J. W. Sever, a causa de la detección de un dolor con sensibilidad localizada en la cara posterior del hueso calcáneo en jóvenes. El objetivo de este estudio es relacionar la incidencia de la talalgia de Sever con la restricción en los valores del Lunge test y con la incapacidad para activar el mecanismo de Windlass medido a través del test de Jack. Se realizaron los dos test a una muestra de 60 futbolistas jóvenes divididos en dos grupos (Sever = 30 jóvenes, de 10,84±0,79 años y 16,87±0,85 de IMC; No Sever = 30 jóvenes, de 10,87±0,80 y 17,58±1,41 de IMC). Los resultados muestran un test de Jack del pie derecho positivo en el 26,7% de los niños con Sever frente al 10,0% de los niños sin Sever (p=0,181). Mientras que, para el pie izquierdo, el 33,3% de los niños con Sever tiene el test de Jack positivo frente al 13,3% de los niños sin Sever (p=0,125). Por otro lado, el Lunge test para el pie derecho muestra una diferencia significativa (p< 0,01) entre los niños con Sever (32,2±3,6) y los niños sin Sever (40,5±4,1). Lo mismo ocurre para el pie izquierdo, niños con Sever (32,1±3,6) y sin Sever (39,2±4,4) con una diferencia significativa (p< 0,01). La restricción de la flexión dorsal (FD) de tobillo medida por medio del test de Lunge ha demostrado tener una relación significativa con la incidencia de la Talalgia de Sever. Mientras que el test de Jack no muestra una relación significativa (AU)

Sever´s Disease or calcaneal apophysitis occur before or during the early growth in children. Experienced after a new practice of psychical activity that involve running or jumping as soccer. It was described by Dr. J. W. Sever, due to detection of pain with localized sensitivity in the posterior area of the calcaneus bone in young people. The aim of the study is relate the Sever´s Disease incidence and restricted values of Lunge test. In the same way, the inability to activate the windlass mechanism measured through the Jack test related with Sever´s Disease incidence. We performed both test to 60 young soccer players divided in two groups (Sever = 30 young players, 10,84±0,79 years old and 16,87±0,85 IMC values; No Sever = 30 young players, 10,87±0,80 years old and y 17,58±1,41 IMC values). The results shows that a 26,7% of Sever´s Disease patient had a positive Jack test in right foot versus 10,0% of non Sever´s Disease patient (p=0,181). While for left foot, a 33,3% of Sever´s Disease patient had a positive Jack test versus 13,3% of non Sever´s Disease patient (p=0,125). On the other hand, Lunge test for right foot show a significant difference (p< 0,01) between Sever´s Disease patient (32,2±3,6) and non Sever´s Disease patient (40,5±4,1). At the same way, in left foot between Sever´s Disease patient (32,1±3,6) and non Sever´s Disease patient (39,2±4,4) with a significant difference (p< 0,01). The ankle dorsiflexion restriction measured by Lunge test is related with an incidence of Sever´s Disease. While, Jack test do not show a significant relationship (AU)

The association of calcaneal spur length and clinical and functional parameters in plantar fasciitis.

INTRODUCTION: Plantar fasciitis (PF)is the most common cause of plantar heel pain. Despite many treatment alternatives for heel spur, the association of calcaneal spur size with clinical and functional parameters is inconclusive. The objective of this study to investigate the correlation of calcaneal spur length with clinical findings and functional status documented with Foot Function Index in patients with plantar fasciitis. METHODS: We performed power analysis for the sample size estimation. 87 patients with PF were scrutinized to reach the estimated patient number 75. Computer-aided linear measurements were done for spur length from tip to base in milimeters. Perceived pain intensity was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS). Patients were asked to rate the pain experienced on a 10-cm VAS. Foot function index was applied to the patients to evaluate pain, disability and activity limitation of the patients. RESULTS: Of the 75 participants, 24 were males (32%) and 51 were females (68%). The mean age was 47 ± 10 years (range 30-65 years). The mean calcaneal spur length was 3.86 ± 3.36 mm (range between 0 and 12.2). Calcaneal spur length was significantly correlated with age (p = 0.003), BMI (p = 0.029), symptom duration, (p = 0.001) VAS (p = 0.003), and FFI total score (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Our study demonstrated that length of the calcaneal spur is significantly correlated with age, BMI, symptom duration, perceived pain, FFI pain and disability subscores, and FFI total scores. CONCLUSION: The size of the calcaneal spur is an important parameter correlated with pain and functional scores in PF.

Plantar heel pain.

Plantar heel pain is a common complaint encountered by orthopedic surgeons, internists, and family practitioners. Although it is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, this is a diagnosis of exclusion. Other mechanical, rheumatologic, and neurologic causes must be considered first. The history and physical examination are typically all that is needed to make the proper diagnosis, but diagnostic adjuncts are available to assist the clinician. When plantar fasciitis is diagnosed, conservative modalities must be tried first. Corticosteroid injections and extracorporeal shock-wave therapy may also be used. After 6 months of failed conservative treatments, surgical intervention should be considered.

Cryoultrasound therapy in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis with heel spurs. A randomized controlled clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of pain in the inferior heel and is very frequent in some running sports. It affects up to 10% of general population and accounts for 11% to 15% of all foot pain symptomatology. Several treatments have been suggested, but there is no evidence supporting a specific conservative management strategy. AIM: Evaluation of the efficacy of combined cryoultrasound therapy on chronic plantar fasciitis with heel spurs resistant to pharmacological and instrumental therapies. DESIGN: Single-blind randomized clinical trial. POPULATION: 102 consecutive patients affected by chronic plantar fasciitis with painful symptomatology for at least 6 months, intensity of pain higher than 5 on the VAS score, presence of heel spurs, use of plantar orthoses and ineffectiveness of previous therapies. METHODS: The patients were randomized into two groups: Group A treated with cryoultrasound therapy and Group B with cryotherapy. Our protocol was based on 10 daily treatments, lasting 20 minutes. Each participant was evaluated using VAS score before (T0) the treatment and 3 months (T1), 12 months (T2) and 18 months (T3) after. Effectiveness index was calculated from T1 to T3. RESULTS: Both treatments have been found effective. The difference in pain intensity on the VAS scale between the two groups at T2 was 4.35 points in favor of Group A (IC 95% 3.75; 4.95; P<0.001), reaching the primary end point. The difference in pain intensity on the VAS scale between the two groups at T1, T2 and T3 was 3.00, 4.35 and 4.81 respectively, showing a statistically significant difference between VAS average scores at all follow-ups in favor of Group A. Scores of at least 66% at the effectiveness index were only achieved in Group A (P values <0.001). CONCLUSION: Cryoultrasound therapy could be an efficient treatment option for chronic plantar fasciitis. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Cryoultrasound therapy promises an effective and long-lasting clinical improvement in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis, granted its high therapeutic efficiency, patients' satisfaction, its limited cost and its short and repeatable protocol of use.

Diagnosis of hyperostosis of the medial calcaneal tubercle similar to a heel spur.

Calcaneal osteochondromas are rare conditions. To our knowledge, we present the first report of a calcaneal osteochondroma in an adolescent patient that was surprisingly similar to a heel spur, and, in addition, symptoms due to compression of the medial plantar nerve were present.

Incidental findings of massive heel spurs in a veteran with a variant of psoriatic arthritis.

A middle-aged man presented for left foot diabetic ulcer care. Pedal radiographs were negative for signs of osteomyelitis. However, asymptomatic incidental osseous findings demonstrated significant plantar and posterior calcaneal spurring possibly consistent with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH). A differential of DISH, psoriatic arthritis, Reiter's, and ankylosing spondylitis was developed. Subsequent spinal imaging and laboratory work-up did not satisfy the diagnostic criteria for DISH. This case illustrates radiographic changes characteristic of multiple seronegative arthropathies. On initial presentation a diagnosis of DISH was most likely, but with further imaging studies a diagnosis of a variant of psoriatic arthritis may be more correct.

Diagnosis of heel pain.

Heel pain is a common presenting symptom in ambulatory clinics. There are many causes, but a mechanical etiology is most common. Location of pain can be a guide to the proper diagnosis. The most common diagnosis is plantar fasciitis, a condition that leads to medial plantar heel pain, especially with the first weight-bearing steps in the morning and after long periods of rest. Other causes of plantar heel pain include calcaneal stress fracture (progressively worsening pain following an increase in activity level or change to a harder walking surface), nerve entrapment (pain accompanied by burning, tingling, or numbness), heel pad syndrome (deep, bruise-like pain in the middle of the heel), neuromas, and plantar warts. Achilles tendinopathy is a common condition that causes posterior heel pain. Other tendinopathies demonstrate pain localized to the insertion site of the affected tendon. Posterior heel pain can also be attributed to a Haglund deformity, a prominence of the calcaneus that may cause bursa inflammation between the calcaneus and Achilles tendon, or to Sever disease, a calcaneal apophysitis in children. Medial midfoot heel pain, particularly with continued weight bearing, may be due to tarsal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it courses through the flexor retinaculum, medial calcaneus, posterior talus, and medial malleolus. Sinus tarsi syndrome occurs in the space between the calcaneus, talus, and talocalcaneonavicular and subtalar joints. The syndrome manifests as lateral midfoot heel pain. Differentiating among causes of heel pain can be accomplished through a patient history and physical examination, with appropriate imaging studies, if indicated.

Pathology-designed custom molded foot orthoses.

Treating patients with custom foot orthoses for common pathologies is a rewarding experience when the proper steps are taken during foot casting and custom-orthosis prescription writing. This article describes successful methods for orthoses casting and prescription writing for custom-molded orthoses for Achilles tendonitis, pes planus, hallux limitus, plantar fasciitis/heel spurs, lateral ankle instability, metatarsalgia, and pes cavus. In addition, a summary of orthotic laboratory instructions for each pathology-designed custom orthosis is provided, which should be considered by orthotic laboratories.

Cirugía percutánea en fascitis plantar y espolón calcáneo / Percutaneous surgery plantar fascitis and heel spur

Se realizó un estudio prospectivo tipo serie clínica donde se avaluá la evolución de 12 pacientes (24 pies) quienes presentaban talalgia crónica por fascitis plantar con presencia de espolón calcáneo y fueron tratados con fasciotomía plantar percutánea. La mayoría de los pacientes son femeninos (90 por ciento) y la edad promedio es 40,5 años. Tiempo de seguimiento 12 meses. El resultado final fue valorado por escala análoga visual (EAV) para cuantificar dolor, opinión de paciente y reintegro a actividades habituales. El procedimiento estadístico se hizo con el programa SSPS 12,0 donde se calcularon medidas de tendencias central y de dispersión. El análisis inferencial se realizó con comparación de medidas a través de prueba T student y con la prueba no paramétrica Chi cuadrado. Se reportó 90 por ciento de resultados satisfactorios. La cirugía percutánea del pie en fascitis plantar con espolón calcáneo es un método sencillo y eficaz. Mejora el tiempo quirúrgico y logra el reintegro precoz del paciente a sus actividades habituales.

We realized a trial study where was evaluated 12 pacients (24 foots), 9 women and 3 male, who presented pain heel asociated with plantar fascitis and sprus and were realizaed fasciotomy percutaneus surgery to determine the efectiveness. The results was evaluated with analog visual scale (VAS) both the pain and the daily activities. The SSPS 12,0 statist program was utlized. The inferencial study was done with T student test and Chi square. Most patients were female (90 percent), mean age 40,5 years old. The follow up was twele months. The points in VAS to pain descending to 8,5 to 1,5. Pain was significantly lower at every assessment point as compare to preoperative values (P<0.05). Was reported90 percent of satisfactory results. The fasciotomy percutaneus surgery is a safe, efective and single procedure to treatment the pain heel for plantar Fascitis and calcaneal spurs. Those patients had significantly less postoperative pain and returned to regular activities early.

Getting to the heel of the problem: plantar fascia lesions.

Heel pain is a frequent disabling symptom. Clinical diagnosis is often difficult with a large range of possible diagnoses. Lesions of the plantar fascia form an important group. We present a review describing the common lesions of the plantar fascia, including plantar fasciitis, plantar fascia rupture, plantar fibromatosis, and plantar xanthoma, and illustrate them with appropriate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound imaging. We also address foreign-body reactions, enthesopathy, and diabetic fascial disease.

[Arthroscopic treatment for calcaneal spur syndrome]. / Artroskopická lécba syndromu plantární ostruhy.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Arthroscopic treatment of calcaneal spur syndrome is a tissue-sparing and effective approach when conservative therapy has failed. This method, its results and our experience with the treatment of this syndrome are presented here. MATERIAL Between January 2003 and November 2007, 26 patients underwent an arthroscopic procedure for calcaneal spur syndrome; of these, 20 were women with an average age of 49 years, and six were men with an average age of 45 years. Four, three women and one man, were lost to follow-up, therefore 22 patients with 24 heels were eventually evaluated. All had conservative therapy for 3 to 6 monts. METHODS The arthroscopic method used was developed by the arthroscopic group of the Orthopaedic Service of Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras in Havana, Cuba. The surgical technique insolves treatment of the spur and plantar fasciitis commonly found in calcaneal spur syndrome, but it also addresses adjacent calcaneal periostitis. RESULTS The results were evaluated on the scale that is part of the foot function index developed by Budiman-Mak for measuring rheumatoid arthritis pain. The patients were asked mine questions on pain intensity during various activities before and after surgery. Pain was evaluated on a scale with grades from 0 to 9. The average value was 5.9 before surgery and 1.4 after surgery. A 0-1 pain range was reported by 25 %, 1-2 by 26 % and 2-4 by 22 % of the patients. All patients reported improvement. DISCUSSION The orthopaedic group in Havana led by Carlos achieved 85 % excellent outcomes (pain range, 0-2) at one-year followup; this was 79 % in our study, in which no problems with foot arches or wound infection were recorded. CONCLUSIONS The heel spur syndrome is a result of an inflamed ligament (plantar fascia) due to repeated microtrauma. It is not a traction osteophyte,but a reaction of the tissue where it attaches to the calcaneus. Adjacent calcaneal periostitis is usually present as well. Therefore, this method treting all three causes of the syndrome appears to be more effective than mere fasciotomy.