Analysis of release of the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve.

The authors conducted a retrospective study of the release of the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve in the treatment of chronic heel pain unrelieved by conservative treatment modalities. A total of 17 patients (18 feet) were evaluated following external neurolysis for heel pain caused by entrapment of the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve. The average postoperative follow-up time was 32.8 months, with a range of 10 to 72 months. Every patient deemed the surgery successful. At the time of follow-up examination, nine feet were asymptomatic and nine feet experienced mild pain after extended activity. There was one postoperative complication, medial calcaneal nerve entrapment; it was successfully treated with neurectomy.