A comparative retrospective study of 48 open heel spur surgeries and 20 end
oscopic plantar fasciotomies was conducted involving 59 patients over a 10-
year period. There was a significant reduction in heel pain at the time of
follow-up (average, 3 years) for both groups. Overall, 85% of procedures we
re associated with patient satisfaction with the results, and patients said
that they would recommend heel spur surgery for relief of severe heel pain
in 94% of cases. Factors influencing the postoperative outcome, such as du
ration of preoperative symptoms, extent of conservative care, and obesity,
are discussed.