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Weak Evidence for the Safety and Effectiveness of Endoscopic Plantar Fascia Release
Full Title
The clinical outcome of endoscopic plantar fascia release: A current concept review
Summary
This review evaluated 15 studies on endoscopic plantar fascia release (EPFR), totaling 535 patients and 576 feet. Most studies were low-quality case series, with only two randomized controlled trials. Though subjective scores improved postoperatively, the review concluded there is weak evidence supporting EPFR as safe or effective. The overall complication rate was 11.0%, with persistent heel pain (5.6%), paresthesias or numbness (4.3%), soft tissue healing issues (1.7%), and superficial infection (0.4%) being the most common.