A 56-year-old female presented for the evaluation of gradual onset bilateral soft tissue masses involving the plantar surface of both feet, with the left foot being significantly more symptomatic. Her past medical history included hypertension and high cholesterol. Social history included gainful employment in a moderately labor-intensive type job and several-year history of smoking. Her physical exam was essentially normal with the exception of somewhat firm, slightly mobile nodular masses involving both plantar foot surfaces in the region of the plantar medical arch (Figure ). Tenderness was only noted involving the two masses on the left foot. Plain radiographs were negative. Conservative therapies were discussed and tried that included shoe gear and activity modification as well as analgesics. The patient declined injection therapy. An MRI was ordered that revealed two discrete soft tissue masses within the plantar fascia consistent with PF lesions without neurovascular encroachment (Figures , ). Surgery was proposed and she wished to proceed with surgery on her symptomatic left foot (Figure ). Risks and benefits were outlined for both complete fasciectomy and wide en bloc resection. The patient chose the latter technique and was advised to refrain from smoking that she did for several days both pre- and post-operatively. Surgery was completed without complications. Wound management included placement of a battery-powered ciNPT device (Prevena™) and light compression bandaging (Figure ). The device remained in place for one week and then was removed. No significant erythema or swelling was seen. Surgical pathology was consistent with two, benign PF lesions. Sutures remained in place for a total of three weeks and were then removed. At this time, the incision was found to be negligibly tender, flat and well coapted. She was non-weight bearing immediately post-operatively through suture removal at which time she was transitioned to a walking boot with instructions to gradually increase weight-bearing activities to tolerance. Rechecks were unremarkable with the exception of a small area of dehiscence that was seen one week after suture removal. Complete incisional healing was appreciated about a week after suture removal. She returned to normal, daily activities including unrestricted work just over two months with no symptomatology or recurrence at the one-year mark.
A 44-year-old man with no significant medical history presented with an 8-year history of painless plantar nodule of the right foot. In the previous 6 months the patient felt discomfort while walking. On examination, he had subcutaneous nodules on the medial aspect of the plantar surface of the right foot. There was no family history of similar nodules. The patient was not taking any medication and was otherwise healthy. Vital signs and laboratory tests were normal.\nAn ultrasound () of the plantar arch was made using 13–5 MHz array transducer and showed a hypoechoic and homogeneous nodule of the plantar fascia with increased color Doppler flow. MRI of the foot confirmed the ultrasound data, showing a hyperintense nodule on proton density images () which was hypointense on T1-weighted images (), at the distal part of the superficial medial plantar fascia. The lesion was intensely enhanced after injection of Gadolinium ().\nThe diagnosis of Ledderhose disease was suspected based on the clinical-radiographic data. However, because of the flow inside the lesion at color Doppler, a biopsy was performed to rule out malignancies. Histological examination () of the nodule demonstrated increased fibroblastic activity and a reduction of the collagen network. Our patient received conservative treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy, and orthotic support with satisfactory evolution.