Selective plantar fascia release for nonhealing diabetic plantar ulcerations.
BACKGROUND
Achilles tendon lengthening can decrease plantar pressures, leading to resolution of forefoot ulceration in patients with diabetes mellitus. However, this procedure has been reported to have a complication rate of 10% to 30% and can require a long period of postoperative immobilization. We have developed a new technique, selective plantar fascia release, as an alternative to Achilles tendon lengthening for managing these forefoot ulcers.


METHODS
We evaluated sixty patients with diabetes for a mean of 23.5 months after selective plantar fascia release for the treatment of nonhealing diabetic neuropathic ulcers in the forefoot. Preoperative and postoperative dorsiflexion range of motion of the affected metatarsophalangeal joint and wound-healing data were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure and to determine the relationship between plantar fascia release and ulcer healing. Complications were recorded.


RESULTS
Thirty-six (56%) of the ulcers healed within six weeks, including twenty-nine (60%) of the plantar toe ulcers and seven (44%) of the metatarsophalangeal joint ulcers. The mean range of motion of the affected metatarsophalangeal joint increased from 15.3° ± 7.8° to 30.6° ± 14.1° postoperatively (p < 0.05). All patients in whom the preoperative dorsiflexion of the affected metatarsophalangeal joint was between 5° and 30° and in whom the range of motion of that joint increased by ≥13° after the procedure experienced healing of the ulcer. No ulcer recurrence in the original location was identified during follow-up. No patients experienced any complications associated with the selective plantar fascia release.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that selective plantar fascia release can lead to healing of neuropathic plantar forefoot ulcers in diabetic patients. Ulcers in patients in whom the preoperative dorsiflexion angle of the affected metatarsophalangeal joint is between 5° and 30° and in whom the increase in range of motion is ≥13° postoperatively have the greatest chance of being cured.


METHODS
Therapeutic level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of the levels of evidence.
Foot and Ankle Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Heymin General Hospital, 627-3, Jayang dong, Gwangjingu, Seoul, South Korea. kjyos@yahoo.co.kr
J Young
JY
Kim
Seungkeun
S
Hwang
Yoonjung
Y
Lee
D000125:Achilles Tendon; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000601:surgery*; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005545:Forefoot, Human; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008683:Metatarsophalangeal Joint; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012044:Regression Analysis; D058971:Tenotomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000534:rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing