Acute and total rupture of the plantar fascia: diagonosis, treatment and results

Abstract

Acute rupture of the plantar fascia is not well documented in the literature. In ten selectedpapers about acute rupture, only 68 cases are reported. Objective: To revise 13 patients(14 feet) with acute and complete rupture of the plantar fascia, including its epidemiology,diagnosis, treatment and results. Methods: From 1996 to 2007, eight males and two femalespresented typical history of sharp pain, maximum tenderness at a point distal to theattachment of the plantar fascia to the medial tuberosity of the calcaneous. Swelling andecchymosis were observed. Twelve patients were athletes and six took oral or local injectionof steroids prior to injury. All patients were treated initially by conservative measures.Surgical treatment was indicated when pain persisted in spite of a well conducted conservative treatment. MRI was useful to determine the extension of lesion and allowed to plan for the surgical strategy in twelve feet. Results:The results were satisfactory in twelve patients returned to daily activities in the same level despite of the type of the treatment. Time ofrecovery was greater in the surgical group. Conclusions: The definitive treatment of acute plantar fascia rupture depends on its symptoms.Initially, the conservative treatment is indicated and surgical treatment is done in case of failure. The complications showed four feet withlower longitudinal arch and four with visible hard lump in the sole, but without pain.