Ultrasonic Fasciotomy for the Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciopathy: A Prospective Study.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of an ultrasonic fasciotomy for plantar fasciopathy.

Design: Prospective observational study.

Setting: Tertiary care academic medical center.

Participants: Patients with chronic plantar fasciopathy refractory to standard, conservative treatments were included in this study.

Interventions: Patients underwent ultrasonic fasciotomy of the plantar fascia.

Main outcome measures: The primary outcome measures were change in visual analog scale at 12 and 52 weeks post-procedure compared with baseline as well as patients' self-reported satisfaction with the procedure.

Results: Sixty-seven patients were included. There was a significant improvement in visual analog scale at all follow-up time points, with an average overall improvement of 5.87 ( P < 0.0001). 94% of patients reported satisfaction with the outcomes of their procedure at 12 and 52 weeks. No procedural complications were seen.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that an ultrasonic fasciotomy is a safe and effective treatment option for chronic plantar fasciopathy, with continued symptom improvement and a high degree of patient satisfaction up to 52 weeks post-procedure.

Clinical relevance: These findings suggest that an ultrasonic fasciotomy should be considered for patients with chronic plantar fasciopathy refractory to conservative treatments.