Radiofrequency microtenotomy for the treatment of plantar fasciitis shows good early results.

BACKGROUND: Microtenotomy coblation using a radiofrequency (RF) probe is a minimally invasive procedure for treating chronic tendinopathy. It has been described for conditions including tennis elbow and rotator cuff tendinitis. There have been no studies to show the effectiveness of such a procedure for plantar fasciitis.

METHODS: 14 Patients with plantar fasciitis with failed conservative treatment underwent TOPAZ RF treatment for their symptoms between 2007 and 2008. The RF-based microdebridement was performed using the TOPAZ Microdebrider device (ArthroCare, Sunnyvale, CA). There were 6 men and 8 women with an average age of 44.0 years (23-57). There were 15 feet, with 6 right and 9 left feet. They were followed up for up to 6 months thereafter. Pre-operative, 3 and 6 months post-operative AOFAS ankle-hindfoot and SF-36 scores were analysed.

RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in mean pre-operative, post-operative 3- and 6-month AOFAS hindfoot scores from 34.47 to 69.27 and 71.33 (p=0.00) respectively. There was a significant decrease in SF-36 for bodily pain, and significant increases in physical and social function scores. 12 out of 14 (85.7%) patients reported good to excellent satisfaction results at 6 months, and 12 out of 14 (85.7%) patients have had their expectations met from the procedure at 6 months follow up.

CONCLUSION: TOPAZ RF coblation is a good and effective method for the treatment of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. Early results are encouraging, and we will continue to assess the patients over a longer follow-up period.