What is claimed is:
1. A method for performing a plantar fasciotomy on a foot, the method comprising: advancing an elongate plantar fasciotomy device through an entry point and an exit point on the foot; cutting the plantar fascia, using the plantar fasciotomy device; and observing at least one of the advancing step or the cutting step, via an ultrasound imaging device.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising at least one of the following steps: administering local anesthesia; mapping the entry point and the exit point, using anatomical landmarks; using the ultrasound imaging device to confirm locations of the entry point and exit point; creating the entry point by making a small incision on the skin of the foot; advancing an access cannula through the entry point; piercing the plantar fascia with the access cannula
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising using the ultrasound imaging device to verify proper placement of the access cannula.
4. The method of claim 2, further comprising using the ultrasound imaging device to verify proper placement of the cannula in the plantar fascia.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising advancing the cutting device through the access cannula and cutting the plantar fascia with the cutting device.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising withdrawing the access cannula prior to cutting the plantar fascia.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising using the ultrasound imaging device to monitor and/or measure the progress of cutting of the plantar fascia and confirm fascia release.
8. The method of claim 2, wherein the method is minimally invasive.
9. A method for performing a plantar fasciotomy on a foot, the method comprising: mapping an entry point and an exit point on a foot; introducing an access cannula through the entry point; directing the access cannula at the exit point using an ultrasound imaging device; introducing a cutting device through the access cannula; and transecting the plantar fascia using the cutting device.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: verifying the transection of the plantar fascia using the ultrasound imaging device.
11. The method of claim 9, further comprising: administering local anesthesia.
12. The method of claim 9, further comprising: mapping the entry and exit points using the ultrasound imaging device.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein mapping the entry and exit points comprises confirming that the entry and exit points are less than one centimeter from a distal portion of a calcaneal tuberosity.
14. The method of claim 9, further comprising: piercing the plantar fascia with the access cannula and directing the access cannula at the exit point.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the access cannula does not exit the plantar fascia during the piercing.
16. A method for performing a plantar fasciotomy on a foot, the method comprising: introducing an access cannula through an entry point into a plantar fascia; verifying, by ultrasound imaging, a location of the access cannula in the plantar fascia; advancing a cutting device through the access cannula, the cutting device having a cutting surface and a wire. transecting the plantar fascia with the cutting surface.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: monitoring the plantar fascia with an ultrasound imaging device during the transecting of the plantar fascia.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the wire exits the foot at an exit point.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein advancing the cutting device comprises withdrawing the access cannula from the plantar fascia to expose the cutting surface.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein the access cannula is inserted into the plantar fascia to a depth of between approximately two and approximately three centimeters.
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