AN ANATOMIC ANALYSIS OF ENDOSCOPIC PLANTAR FASCIA RELEASE

Eighteen fresh-frozen cadaver foot specimens underwent release of the plantar fascia via a newly described endoscopic technique. A 75% relea se was attempted on each specimen in order to represent a partial fasc ial release. Each specimen was then dissected to assess the success of the procedure. Five separate measurements were recorded evaluating th e reproducibility of the procedure, adequacy of the release considerin g accepted etiologies for chronic heel pain, and the possibility of da mage to local structures. Partial release was noted to be possible, bu t controlling the exact percentage of the incision was difficult. The release averaged 82% of the width of the fascia, with a range of 53% t o 100%. There was no damage in any specimen to the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve, the structure considered most at risk during t he procedure. Release of the deep fascia of the abductor hallucis musc le was not possible with this approach.