Proximal Medial Gastriocnemius Recession for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

Patients will be operated with PMGR as described by Barouk. No additional procedures will be performed. The surgery will be performed with the patients in a prone position under local anaesthetics. A 3-4 cm transverse skin incision is made in the popliteal fossa, the superficial fascia is opened, and the medial gastrocnemius with its tendon (aponeurosis) is located. The tendon is then cut while lifting it with clamps, and care is taken to cut only the white tendon while sparing the underlying muscle. While performing a dorsiflexion movement of the ankle, careful palpation of the muscle is done to ensure that all tendon strands are cut completely. The incision is closed in layers, and only soft dressings applied. Patients will be instructed to continue the stretching exercises and fully weight-bear from the first postoperative day. If needed, the patients will be allowed to use crutches during the first 2 weeks after surgery. Sutures are removed 2-3 weeks after surgery.