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.