[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.