Clinical Research Of Plantar Fasciitis (Calcaneal Pain) In Arthroscope

Purpose: Clinical study about the role of radiofrequency in endoscopic plantarfascia release and therapeutic effect of refractoriness plantar fasciitis.Methord: This series included 24 cases,among which had 29 feet.All of them had beentreated for more half a year by conservative therapy and were not satisfied withtherapeutic effect.Two portals were created along both sides of calcaneus,by which thearthroscopy and Saber radiofrequency wand were introduced respectively. The plantarfascia was cut only the medial 2/3 width of the total in the direction from inside tooutside using radiofrequency. This maneuver didn’t stop until the loose connectivetissues or such muscle fibers as abductor hallucis, flexor hallucis brevis, and so onunderneath the plantar fascia were visualized.Then the arthroscopy was introducedfrom lateral portal so as to observe whether the most medial part of the plantar fasciawas cut open.If there was section that was not cut open, the Saber radiofrequency wandwould be introduced from medial portal to cut the medial 2/3 width of the plantar fasciacontinuely. We referred to the evaluation standard of therapeutic efficacy about footaffection (JOA) of Japanese plastics academy. From prior treatment to post treatmentobservation was performed about pain、deformity、active range (passive)、instability、walking competence、muscle power、paresthesia、daily living action and so on. We didthe statistics about preoperative average mark and post-operative average mark so as todemonstrate therapeutic effect of treating refractoriness plantar fasciitis by endoscopicplantar fascia release.Results: All cases had been successfully operated. After operation sole of foot wasswelling slightly,and there was little exudation on incision.There were nocomplications of infection and necrosis of skin and vascular nerve injuries. All caseswere followed for 3 to 6 months (average 5.3 months). And marks were given.Lastlywe did the statistics.Preoperative average mark was 65.3±2.4 and post-operativeaverage mark 92.9±2.0.T test shows there is obvious difference (p＜0.05).Conclusion:Radiofrequency is superior to blade、electrocautery and Holmium laser interms of endoscopic plantar fascia release, and has many advantages including:(1) less postoperative bleeding and extravasation due to the function of coagulation;(2) lesstrauma with mild tissue reaction;(3)fast rehabilitation;(4) simpler maneuverability;(5)shorter operation time;(6)higher safety.Fine therapeutic effect was obtainedto treat refractoriness plantar fasciitis by endoscopic plantar fascia release.