Type of Surgery
Information
Last updated: 11/24/2009
Fasciotomy in the limbs reduces pressure, thus reducing tissue death. Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy has a success rate in excess of 95%.
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This narrated 3D animation shoes the anatomy of the knee and how this structure works to move the knee joint. Of special note are the anatomical orientations of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) along with a description of how tendon surgery is performed.
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Other Information
Fasciotomy is a surgical procedure where the fascia is cut to relieve tension or pressure (resulting in loss of circulation to an area of tissue or muscle). Fasciotomy is a limb-saving procedure when used to treat acute compartment syndrome. It is also sometimes used to treat chronic compartment stress syndrome. The procedure has a very high rate of success, with the most common problem being accidental damage to a nearby nerve. Complications can also involve the formation of scar tissue after the operation. A thickening of the surgical scars can result in the loss of mobility of the joint involved. This can be addressed through occupational therapy or physical therapy.
In addition to scar formation, there is a possibility that the surgeon may require a skin graft to close the wound.
Sometimes when closing the fascia again in another surgical procedure, the muscle is still too large to close it completely. A small bulge is visible, but is not harmful.
Other Information
For foot and ankle problems, surgery is sometimes the more definitive answer to a persistent problem and the best way to prevent more serious conditions.
-Institute of Surgical Podiatry
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