Effect of scalpel debridement on the pain associated with plantar hyperkeratosis

Seventy-nine subjects from 14 centers in eight English National Health Serv ice Trusts recorded their levels of preoperative and postoperative pain and perceived change in pain on 100-mm visual analog scales before and after s calpel debridement of painful plantar hyperkeratosis. A significant reducti on in pain was reported following treatment, and there were highly signific ant differences between the preoperative and postoperative scores. There we re no age- or sex-related differences in any of the preoperative, postopera tive, or perceived-change scores. The objective data support the anecdotal evidence that scalpel debridement of painful plantar hyperkeratosis is imme diately effective in the palliative management of such patients.