Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar Fascia Release Animation

Plantar Fasciitis: Plantar Fascia Release Animation

This surgical animation will demonstrate a minimally invasive approach to the release, or cutting, of the plantar fascia to treat plantar fasciitis. Here we have a right foot. On the inside of the foot, a small incision called a portal is made near the heel bone. A blunt instrument is then introduced into the bottom of the foot through this portal. The surgeon will use this instrument to feel the plantar fascia above, and verify the correct location for the surgical release.

The surgeon will then push the instrument over to the outside of the foot, pushing up against, but not through the skin. This will help them find the location for one more portal on the outside of the foot. Once the incision is made, the surgeon will push the blunt instrument through the incision and a purple tube called a cannula is placed over it and passed through the portals as well. The blunt instrument is then removed. This cannula has a slot that will be positioned so it opens towards the plantar fascia. This will help with the release of the tissue later in the case.

Next, a camera is introduced through the cannula, allowing the surgeon to visualize the plantar fascia and identify the appropriate anatomy. The toes and foot are pulled back towards the patient's face to put tension on the plantar fascia, and a small knife blade is introduced through the opposite end of the cannula. The surgeon will use this instrument to release the tight plantar fascia. Upon release of the tissue, the surgeon will look with the camera to confirm the release was adequate. The instruments are then removed and the incisions are closed.