Heel spur syndrome: a retrospective report on the percutaneous plantar transverse incisional approach

The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate patient satisfaction and pain relief of chronic heel spur syndrome via a percutaneous plantar transverse incisional surgical approach. Forty-five patients underwent the procedure between June 1995 and August 1997; 29 responded to a questionnaire. Of the 29 respondents, a 96% success rate was obtained (the procedure met or exceeded patient expectations) at an average of 21 months postoperatively. Based on a 10-point visual analog scale, pain improved from an average of 8.4 +/- 0.3 preoperatively to 1.2 +/- 0.3 at the time of the survey. The surgical technique is also described.