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Updated: Aug 5, 2025
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Predictive Measurement for Windlass Change in Length and Selected Treatment Outcomes in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Published on: March 1, 2024
535
PROMIS Scores for Plantar Fasciitis Before and After Gastrocnemius Recession
Thomas Sanchez1, Turner Sankey1, Sam Schick1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
Foot & Ankle International
|March 24, 2023
Summary
Gastrocnemius recession surgery significantly improved physical function and reduced pain in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. While effective, outcomes did not fully reach population norms, indicating potential residual symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Pain Management
Background:
- Plantar fasciitis is linked to Achilles tendon loading and tight calf muscles.
- Gastrocnemius contracture is a recognized risk factor for chronic plantar fasciitis.
- Gastrocnemius recession is an increasingly popular surgical treatment for this condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of gastrocnemius recession for chronic plantar fasciitis.
- To assess changes in Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information Systems (PROMIS) scores post-surgery.
- This study is the first to examine PROMIS scores in this patient population before and after the procedure.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study including 41 patients with chronic plantar fasciitis.
- Patients underwent isolated gastrocnemius recession (CPT code 27687).
- Preoperative and 1-year postoperative PROMIS scores and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in PROMIS physical function scores (39.3 to 44.5, P=.0005).
- Significant reductions in PROMIS pain interference (62.8 to 56.5, P=.0001) and VAS pain scores (7.05 to 1.71, P<.0001) were noted.
- PROMIS depression scores showed no significant change (P=.6727).
Conclusions:
- Gastrocnemius recession is an effective treatment for refractory chronic plantar fasciitis.
- The procedure significantly improves pain and physical function, as confirmed by PROMIS and VAS scores.
- While beneficial, average patient outcomes did not reach population norms, suggesting some persistent dysfunction.
