Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 5, 2025
Predictive Measurement for Windlass Change in Length and Selected Treatment Outcomes in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Published on: March 1, 2024
Clinical And Plantar Fascial Morphologic Changes After Proximal Medial Gastrocnemius Release Treatment of
Alberto Ginés-Cespedosa1, Ignacio Wormull Ugarte2, Jesus Ares-Vidal3
1Orthopaedics Department, Hospital del Mar, UAB-Universitat Autonoma Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Background:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used as a diagnostic and prognostic instrument to evaluate the results of conservative treatment for plantar fasciitis. However, there are scarce data available relative to changes in the plantar fascia after operative treatment. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the imaging changes in patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis treated operatively by means of proximal medial gastrocnemius release.
Methods:
Thirteen patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis were studied with MRI preoperatively and 1 year after operative treatment. Quantitative (plantar fascia thickness) and qualitative variables (hyperintensity in the plantar fascia, insertional calcaneus bone edema, a plantar fascia tear, and the presence of perifascial collections) were assessed by 2 musculoskeletal radiologists. Clinical results were also measured with American Orthopaedic Ankle & Society (AOFAS), visual analog scale (VAS) pain, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) scales.
Results:
The mean plantar fascia thickness was 6.59 mm preoperatively and 6.37 mm postoperatively (P = .972). No statistically significant differences were found in any of the qualitative variables on comparing the pre- and postoperative periods. Patients reported clinical improvements in pain VAS, AOFAS measurement, and the physical subdomains of the SF-36 scale.
Conclusion:
Quantitative and qualitative variables assessed for the plantar fascia on MRI did not show any significant change after medial gastrocnemius release despite clear clinical improvement.
Level Of Evidence:
Level II, perspective cohort study.
