Background: The aim was to assess the recurrence rate and clinical outcome after wide resection for plantar fibromatosis.
Methods: A total of 12 patients, 2 to 13 years after wide resection, were assessed for local and magnetic resonance imaging tomographic signs of recurrence at the clinical follow-up. In addition, a systematic review of the literature was conducted.
Results: After 7.8 years (2-13), 2 patients (17%) suffered a recurrence. At the last follow-up, median Foot Functional Index was 1 (0-66) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 95 (44-100). Six studies with 109 feet (92 patients) were included in the systematic review. The recurrence rate depends on the width of the resection: 67% after local resection, 42% after wide resection, and 27% after fasciectomy.
Conclusion: In patients with symptomatic plantar fibromatosis, we recommend a wide resection or fasciectomy over a local resection because of the inferior recurrence rate.
Levels of evidence: Level IV: Retrospective case series.
Keywords: Ledderhose disease; plantar fibromatosis; recurrence rate.