Plantar fascial spaces of the foot and a proposed surgical approach.

This study identified five plantar fascial spaces of the foot. The first space lies superficial to the calcaneus, the second lies between the plantar aponeurosis and the flexor digitorum brevis, the third lies between the flexor digitorum brevis and the quadratus plantar, the fourth lies above the quadratus, and the fifth lies above the adductor hallucis. A plantar incision is proposed for exploration and drainage of foot injuries and infections. With this incision, the plantar neurovascular bundles, along with the five plantar spaces through which infection spreads, are visualized clearly. In our experience, the incision heals without a sensitive scar.