Regrowth patterns of plantar callus

Abstract

A-scan ultrasound was used to measure the thickness of plantar callus, from scalpel debridement to regrowth. Twenty-six calluses (4 female and 7 male subjects) were studied over a nine-week period; 6 of these calluses (3 subjects) were followed over a further nine-week period. Three main patterns were identified, producing either a fast, medium or slow regrowth over the first couple of weeks. These patterns were reproduced for five of the six calluses studied over the second period of regrowth. The patterns of regrowth were not related to surface area or thickness of the callus. However, trends were identified with site. Some 66.7% of calluses occurring over the 2nd metatarsal head had slow patterns of regrowth and 71% of those over the 5th metatarsal head exhibited fast regrowth patterns. Although further work needs to be undertaken to identify other factors which may influence the patterns, these findings have important clinical implications when considering the treatment of plantar calluses, for example the timing of treatment intervention, the appropriateness of pressure relieving padding and even the amount of callus debridement itself.