Microfibrillar
collagen is described. The method of application and use on the exposed surface of cancellous bone encountered in
heel spur surgery, herein defined as a resection of the inferior calcaneal
exostosis with plantar
fasciotomy, is discussed. Microfibrillar
collagen's chief effect on cancellous bone is rapid, dramatic cessation of bone
bleeding. It was assessed in terms of its effect on
postoperative pain, quantitative subcutaneous
hematoma formation, and
edema. Although patients initially experienced increased discomfort during the first 24 hr. postoperatively, their
edema, subcutaneous
hematoma formation, and, more dramatically, need for
narcotic analgesics was significantly reduced in the microfibrillar patient group when compared to patients having the same
surgical procedures without the microfibrillar
collagen intraoperatively. There were no postoperative complications encountered after the use of microfibrillar
collagen in any of the 23 cases.