Proximal Medial Gastrocnemius Release: Surgical Technique

Proximal medial gastrocnemius release (PMGR) is a technique that is performed to relieve tension in the Achilles-calcaneus-plantar system when a biomechanical overload is present^1-3. One of the main indications for this technique is recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. This procedure may also be useful in second-rocker metatarsalgia or midportion Achilles tendinitis⁴. It is considered to be an easy and safe method for achieving good results^5-7.

PMGR is performed with the patient in the prone position. A thigh tourniquet is not utilized. We prefer to use spinal anesthesia, but local anesthesia could be applied along with sedation. A posteromedial incision is made on or just below the posterior knee crease. The crural fascia is divided, and the proximal insertion of the medial gastrocnemius is identified. Performing the "hook maneuver" with a curved dissector is helpful at this step. Only the white fibers are sectioned in order to allow for a lengthening of the muscular fibers that is completed with forceful ankle dorsiflexion. After proper hemostasis has been achieved, the subcutaneous layer and skin are closed, leaving the fascia open.

Nonoperative treatment should be the first option, including analgesics, insoles, heel cups, calf-stretching, injections, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy⁸. Some authors have also suggested that application of a walking cast for 3 to 6 weeks should be attempted^9,10. Once all of these treatment options have failed, operative treatment is appropriate. Historically, open plantar fasciotomy was offered to patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis, and this treatment continues to be a surgical option. Other procedure, like the Strayer, Vulpius, or Baumann techniques, involve the calf system and are called "gastrocnemius recession." However, these techniques act in the more distal aspect of the calf system compared with PMGR.

PMGR offers patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis rapid recovery and good results. This procedure obviates the complications associated with plantar fasciotomy, in which the medial aspect of the proximal plantar fascia is divided to relieve the overload. A plantar fasciotomy (either open or endoscopic¹¹) risks lateral column overload¹² or a painful flatfoot if >50% of the fascia is divided. A long recovery period following plantar fasciotomy has also been described⁷. On the other hand, other procedures have been utilized to lengthen the Achilles-calcaneus-plantar system to an even greater extent. Techniques like the Silfverskiöld (i.e., medial and lateral proximal gastrocnemius release) or Strayer (i.e., division of the distal aspect of the gastrocnemius fascia) technique present a higher rate of complications (up to 38%), specifically nerve injuries^13,14. We consider these procedures (classified as gastrocnemius recession procedures) more properly indicated for patients with neurological diseases or with an equinus contracture. The medial gastrocnemius is the more powerful of the 2 bellies. Releasing the medial head alone offers a robust decrease in tension and is safer than approaching the lateral head of the gastrocnemius¹⁵. At the same time, this technique provides a quick recovery for the patient. PMGR can also help those patients with other clinical signs related to gastrocnemius tightness, such as calf cramps and pain or repeated muscle injuries. Moreover, it can be effective in patients with second-rocker metatarsalgia or midportion Achilles tendinitis^1,16.

PMGR has a reported rate of satisfaction of >80%. Most patients undergoing this procedure experience substantial pain relief within the first 2 to 3 months^6,17. PMGR is an outpatient procedure with a short operative time and a rapid return to recreational and labor activities. The complication rate is low, and the most common complications are calf hematomas and delayed wound healing. The present article demonstrates a reduction in pain and good functional results. An improvement in the perception of health-related quality of life, especially in the physical and pain domains of the Short Form-36 questionnaire, was also observed.

The prone position allows for direct access to the proximal medial head of the gastrocnemius. Preferably, perform PMGR without a tourniquet in order to assure proper hemostasis. Keep the ankle joint free at the end of operating table because ankle dorsiflexion is a helpful maneuver at some stages in this procedure. Digital (index finger) dissection should be performed among the medial head of the gastrocnemius, the hamstrings, and the posterior aspect of the proximal tibia. The hook maneuver, performed with use of a blunt dissector, is helpful to identify all of the white fibers. Only white fibers should be divided. The surgeon must also make sure to cut the more anterior part of the aponeurosis that is hidden by red fibers. After cutting the white fibers, forceful ankle dorsiflexion is required to obtain full lengthening of the muscle. Proper hemostasis should be achieved to prevent formation of a calf hematoma. Advise the patient to do calf-stretches as soon as pain permits in order to prevent a contracting muscle scar.

PMGR = proximal medial gastrocnemius releaseESWT = extracorporeal shock wave therapySD = standard deviation.