[5-years lithotripsy of plantar of plantar heel spur: experiences and results--a follow-up study after 36.9 months].

INTRODUCTION

Effectivity and application as well as possible complications and side effects of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy of plantar heel spurs should be evaluated.

METHOD

We applied extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ECSL) to treat plantar fasciitis in 54 patients (period from: 3/1/1993 to 3/1/1996). 20 persons were treated with Lithostar plus (group 1) and ultrasound focussing and 34 patients (group 2) were treated by a Lithostar and X-ray focussing.

RESULTS

After 6 weeks 14 (70%) of group 1 and 27 (79.4%) of group 2 were free of pain. After 36.9 months 8 (40%) of group 1 and 23 (67.6%) of group 2 were still painfree. We could not recognize any severe complications after 36.9 months.

CONCLUSION

ECSL is an effective and noninvasive method of treatment. It is not the method of choice for the first treatment of plantar fasciitis but is an alternative option for operation.