Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy: a minimally traumatic procedure for chronic plantar fasciitis.

Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy (EPF) is a minimally invasive and minimally traumatic surgical treatment for the common problem of chronic plantar fasciitis. This procedure is indicated only for the release of the proximal medial aspect of the fascia in cases that do not respond to aggressive conservative, nonsurgical treatment. In the literature, an overall 87% success rate has been reported in 1228 procedures, in addition to an 83% success rate reported by Burke at the Northwest Podiatric Foundation Surgical Seminar in January 2000. The author's personal experience with 41 procedures over 5 years is consistent with an overall average success of 90%. EPF complications are reduced in comparison with traditional open procedures and can be avoided in many cases when identified early and treated properly. EPF is recommended as the procedure of choice when conservative treatment measures have been exhausted.