[Case-control study on carpal canal endoscopy and arthroscopy for the treatment of plantar fasciopathy]

To explore clinical effects of carpal canal endoscopy in treating patients with plantar fasciopathy who failed by conservative treatment.

From August 2018 to August 2019, 50 patients with plantar fascia were divided into two groups and 25 patients in each group. In carpal canal endoscopy group, included 11 males and 14 females, aged from 39 to 67 years old with an average of(57.7±6.4) years old;carpal canal endoscopy was used to plantar fascia release. In arthroscopy group, included 9 males and 16 females, aged from 41 to 73 years old with an average of (58.1±7.2) years old;conventional 4.0 mm arthroscopy Instruments was used to plantar fascia release. Operation time, hospitalization expense and postoperative complications between two groups were observed and compared. Postoperative visual analogue scale(VAS) and American Orthopedic Foot Ankle Society (AOFAS) score were used to evaluate clinical function.

All patients were followed up from 12 to 18 months with an average of (14.3±2.1) months. There were significant differentces in operation time and hospitalization expense between two groups (P<0.05). Surgical incision healed well in carpal canal endoscopy group, and 2 patients delayed union in arthroscopy group, and no difference between two groups (P>0.05). There were no statistical differences in VAS, AOFAS and grading between two groups at 12 months after operation(P>0.05).

The outcome of carpal canal endoscopy and arthroscopy has similar effects in treating plantar fascia. While carpal canal endoscopy has advantages of need not perfusion during opertaion, protect soft tissue well, less operation time, and lower cost.