Arthroscopic Plantar Fascia Release Combined with Calcaneal Spur Removal Surgery in the Treatment of Intractable Calcaneodynia

Deng Bin; Zheng Chenxiao; Wu Jianbo; Zhang Shaohai; Lin Xiaoyong

Abstract：Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of arthroscopic plantar fascia release combined with calcaneal spur removal surgery in the treatment of intractable calcaneodynia.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 30 patients with recalcitrant calcaneodynia who underwent arthroscopic plantar fascia release combined with calcaneal spur clearance surgery in the Foot and Ankle Group of the Trauma Orthopedics Department of Zhongshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from April 2018 to June 2022.They were 8 males and 22 females,with ages ranging from 43 to 69 years old and a mean age of(54.7±7.9)years,Regular follow-up visits were conducted at the outpatient department.We observed and recorded the occurrence of postoperative complications,and regularly reviewed the lateral calcaneal X-rays film on the surgical side to determine whether the calcaneal spur recurred.The surgical efficacy was also evaluated by comparing the patients'pain visual analogue scale(VAS)scores,American orthopedic foot and ankle society ankle and hindfoot(AOFAS-AH)scores,and calcaneodynia scores(CS)at the preoperative period,1 month after surgery,3 months after surgery,and the last follow-up.Results The postoperative follow-up time was 12～20 months,with an average of(16.27±2.32)months.The VAS scores of the 30 patients were lower than the preoperative scores at all observation time points postoperative period,while the AOFAS-AH scores and CS were higher than the preoperative scores,and the differences between the preoperative and postoperative period comparisons were statistically significant(P＜0.001).Regular postoperative follow-up of lateral calcaneal X-rays film on the surgical side showed no recurrence of calcaneal spur.None of the patients had complications such as vascular or nerve injury or infection of the operative port.Conclusion Arthroscopic plantar fascia release combined with calcaneal spur removal surgery can significantly relieve localized pain and improve foot and ankle function in patients with intractable calcaneodynia.The therapeutic effect is satisfactory and it is a treatment method worth promoting.