Chronic plantar fasciitis: plantar fasciotomy versus gastrocnemius recession.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare results of partial proximal fasciotomy (PPF) with proximal medial gastrocnemius release (PMGR) in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis (CPF). METHOD: This retrospective study compares 30 patients with CPF that underwent PPF with 30 that underwent isolated PMGR. Both groups were matched in terms of previous treatments and time from onset of symptoms to surgery. Different standardised evaluation scales (VAS, Likert, AOFASh) were used to evaluate results. RESULTS: Plantar fasciotomy had satisfactory results in just 60 % of patients, with an average ten weeks needed to resume work and sports. Patient satisfaction in the PMGR group reached 95 %, being back to work and sports at three weeks on average. Functional and pain scores were considerably better for PMGR and fewer complications registered. CONCLUSION: In our series, isolated PMGR is a simple and reliable procedure to treat patients with CPF. It provides far better results than conventional fasciotomy with less morbidity and better patient satisfaction, and thus has become our surgical procedure of choice in recalcitrant CPF.

Pathologic fractures in children.

Fractures through bone tumors are often difficult to treat. We reviewed our combined experience with this problem in children, as well as the existing literature, to formulate management guidelines. For this study, prospective databases (1987 to 2002) from three referral centers were screened for pathologic fractures occurring under the age of 14 years. One hundred five patients presented with fracture through unicameral bone cyst, nonossifying fibroma, fibrous dysplasia, aneurysmal bone cyst and osteosarcoma. Seventeen patients were excluded. The most common primary locations were the proximal humerus and proximal femur. Pathologic fracture through nonossifying fibroma had the best outcome; union occurred with nonsurgical treatment in all cases. Unicameral bone cyst required surgical treatment to avoid persistence of the cyst and refracture. However fracture healing was predictable without surgical treatment. Proximal femoral lesions tended to heal in malunion if not fixed surgically. Aneurysmal bone cyst required surgical treatment for the lesion to heal and to allow the fracture to heal as well. Percutaneous sclerotherapy may be the treatment of choice for many of these lesions. Fibrous dysplasia allows fracture healing with nonoperative therapy. Progressive deformity requires followup and surgical correction. Malignant lesions presenting a pathologic fracture are best managed by initial nonoperative therapy during investigation and neoadjuvant therapy when possible, followed by definitive treatment.