Comparison of Short-Term efficacy between medial and lateral dual incision approach and medial dual incision approach for endoscopic spur resection combined with plantar fascia release in the treatment of heel pain syndrome.

BACKGROUND: This study employed a retrospective analysis to compare the short-term efficacy of the medial and lateral dual incision approach versus the medial dual incision approach for endoscopic spur resection combined with plantar fascia release in the treatment of heel pain syndrome, aiming to provide orthopedic surgeons with a reference for surgical treatment of heel pain syndrome.

METHODS: From December 2022 to December 2023, a total of 44 patients were included in the study, with 22 cases in the medial and lateral dual incision group and 22 cases in the medial dual incision group. Postoperative follow-up lasted for 12 months, during which the following information was recorded: operative time and postoperative hospital stay. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score, and the Maryland Foot Score. Changes in calcaneal spur were assessed using lateral X-rays of the calcaneus.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference in postoperative VAS, AOFAS, or Maryland scores between the two surgical approaches (P > 0.05), and both showed significant improvement compared to preoperative scores (P < 0.05). However, the operative time in the medial dual incision group was significantly shorter than that in the medial and lateral dual incision group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Compared to the medial and lateral dual incision approach, the medial dual incision approach for endoscopic spur resection combined with plantar fascia release achieves similar short-term clinical outcomes and safety in the treatment of heel pain syndrome. However, considering the shorter operative time, the medial dual incision approach may be a better choice.