The Effectiveness of Radiofrequency-Based Percutaneous Microtenotomy (TOPAZ) to Treat Refractory Plantar Fasciitis

Purpose: To assess the safety and effectiveness of radiofrequency-based percutaneous microtenotomy to treat refractory plantar fasciitis symptoms. Study type: Prospective, non-randomized single center study. Methods: The average age of the patients was 47 years old. All the 70 patients enrolled had refractory plantar fasciitis symptoms for more than 6 months duration, before they underwent the surgery between 2006 and 2013. The radiofrequency-based percutaneous microtenotomy was performed using TOPAZ Microdebrider device (ArthroCare, Sunnyvale, CA). Patients were followed-up for 6 months postoperatively. Pain status was recorded using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pre-and postoperatively and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). Results: Patients reported significant reduction of pain and improved function from the baseline at 6 weeks post-operatively (P = 0.05). There were no post-operative complications. Conclusion: Radiofrequency-based microtenotomy appears to be a promising treatment option for refractory plantar fasciitis. This procedure provides a valuable alternative surgical option to those patients.