Early clinical results of the use of radiofrequency lesioning in the treatment of plantar fasciitis

A Multi-centered Retrospective Study on the Efficacy of Pulsed Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation in the Treatment of Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis: A Mid-term Outcome

Background Plantar fasciitis, a condition marked by persistent and often excruciating heel pain, frequently poses a formidable hurdle when conservative treatment approaches fall short. This multi-centered retrospective study embarks on a journey to explore the potential effectiveness of pulsed radiofrequency nerve ablation (RFNA), an innovative and less invasive procedure, as a novel avenue for treating recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. This investigation centers around a group of 24 patients who have faced the persistence of this challenging ailment. By meticulously scrutinizing patient outcomes and conducting a comprehensive analysis of safety aspects, this study aspires to offer enlightening revelations regarding the promise and practicality of pulsed RFNA as a therapeutic solution for tackling this intricate and tenacious condition. Methods This retrospective study included 24 patients who had undergone pulsed RFNA for recalcitrant plantar fasciitis between June 1, 2020, and June 1, 2022, at Hospital Pengajar Universiti Putra Malaysia (HPUPM), Hospital Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), and Hospital Serdang. Patients were selected from the Orthopedic Clinics at HPUPM, Hospital UiTM, and Hospital Serdang and were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patient data was extracted from the hospital information system and electronic medical records. Pre-procedure and post-procedure assessments were conducted at one, three, and six months on the selected patients using the visual analog scale and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scoring systems. All selected patient data was traced and tabulated accordingly. Results This study evaluates the effectiveness of pulsed RFNA in treating recalcitrant plantar fasciitis in 24 participants (39 feet). Results show a significant reduction in pain and improvement in functionality at one, three, and six months post-RFNA. Demographic factors (age, gender, and specific diagnosis) did not significantly impact outcomes. The study supports pulsed RFNA as an effective treatment for recalcitrant plantar fasciitis, emphasizing consistent benefits across various patient characteristics. Conclusion In conclusion, the study demonstrates the notable effectiveness of pulsed RFNA in improving pain reduction and functional outcomes for individuals with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. The findings, consistent across various demographic factors, support pulsed RFNA as a promising and uniform treatment option for those who do not respond to conservative measures.

Effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation for treatment of plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. Pain can be persistent in some patients and interrupt daily activities and sportive activities. There are a lot of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis. We hypothesized that patients with chronic persistent plantar fasciitis can be successfully treated with radiofrequency nerve ablation (RFNA).Two hundred sixty-one patients with plantar fasciitis (378 feet) treated with RFNA from February 2017 to January 2019 were retrospectively assessed. All the patients had plantar heel pain for at least 6months. Based on their body mass index (BMI), the enrolled patients were divided into obese (BMI ≥ 30kg/m2) and non-obese (BMI < 30kg/m2) groups. The patients were asked to complete a questionnaire just before and after the procedure and during the final follow-up. The BNS Radiofrequency Lesion Generator was used during a single session. The patients' information, including their visual analogue scale (VAS) score and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, was assessed. During their final follow-up, the patients were asked to rate the success of their treatment by choosing one of the following options: completely successful, very successful, moderately successful, marginally successful, or not successful.The VAS and AOFAS scores of all the patients were evaluated pre-procedure, in the first month after procedure, and during the final follow-up (8-24 months). There was a statistically significant difference between the pre-procedure and postprocedure VAS scores (P < .001), there was no statistically significant difference between the VAS scores in the first month postprocedure and during the final follow-up.There was a statistically significant difference between the pre-procedure and postprocedure AOFAS scores (P < .001), there was no statistically significant difference between the AOFAS scores in the first month postprocedure and during the final follow-up.RFNA can be used as an alternative method to surgical procedures for treating plantar fasciitis because it is safe and effective. The advantages of RFNA are that patients can quickly return to their work and resume weight-bearing activities.

Radiofrequency microtenotomy for plantar fasciitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is limited evidence on outcomes for plantar fascia radiofrequency microtenotomy. An evidence-based systematic review and meta-analysis for outcomes of radiofrequency microtenotomy for the treatment of plantar fasciitis was conducted.

METHODS

A comprehensive evidence-based literature review of PubMed and Cochrane Databases was conducted in March 2019, which identified 11 relevant articles assessing the efficacy of plantar fascia radiofrequency microtenotomy. The studies were then assigned to a level of evidence (I-IV). Individual studies were reviewed to provide a grade of recommendation (A-C, I) according to the Wright classification in support of or against endoscopic plantar fascia release. Meta-analysis was performed for 7 of the studies that measured AOFAS scores.

RESULTS

Based on the results of this evidence-based review, there was fair (grade B) evidence to support plantar fascia radiofrequency microtenotomy. There was a statistically significant mean increase of 40.9 in AOFAS scores post procedure.

CONCLUSION

There was fair (grade B) evidence to recommend radiofrequency microtenotomy for plantar fasciitis. There is a need for more high quality level I randomized controlled trials with validated outcome measures to allow for stronger recommendations to be made.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, systematic review of level II studies.

Patient-Perceived Recovery and Outcomes after Bipolar Radiofrequency Controlled Ablation with Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for Refractory Plantar Fasciosis

Previous studies have documented persistent postoperative symptoms and limitations following plantar fasciotomy using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). The incomplete recovery (resolution) has been theorized to occur from altered foot biomechanics, and alternative treatment methods have continued to gained popularity for addressing refractory plantar fasciosis (RPF). The purpose of the present study was to assess patient-perceived recovery (PPR) and outcomes after bipolar radiofrequency controlled ablation (BRC) with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection for RPF. From July 2006 to July 2016, 43 patients (52 procedures) were enrolled. PROMS were prospectively obtained and compared between patients who perceived themselves as recovered without/residual deficits (recovered-resolved, recovered-not resolved) and those not recovered. Holistic satisfaction, procedure-specific satisfaction, complications, reoperations, and failure were recorded. Overall, 67.4% perceived themselves as recovered-resolved, 23.3% as recovered-not resolved, and 9.3% as not recovered. Holistic and procedure specific satisfaction were high (90.7% and 88.4%), with a mean modified Foot Function Index of 11.65, visual analog scale for pain 1.5, and failure rate of 9.3% at a median of 53 months (interquartile range 33 to 83). In the present study, outcomes with BRC with PRP injection compared favorably to the long-term outcomes reported for partial and complete plantar fasciotomy. Although 14 patients (32.6%) continued to have some postoperative symptoms, 71% indicated that they were satisfied with their symptoms, and 64% would undergo a similar procedure again. Therefore, despite the study's shortcomings, a patient's ability to cope appears to have a role in recovery from RPF.

Outcome of Corticosteroid Injections, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, and Radiofrequency Thermal Lesioning for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

BACKGROUND

Chronic heel pain with plantar fasciitis is relatively common and can affect adults of all ages regardless of an active or sedentary lifestyle. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of corticosteroid injection (CSI), extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), and radiofrequency thermal lesioning (RTL) treatments in chronic plantar heel pain that has been unresponsive to other conservative treatments.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the results of 217 patients treated with CSI (n = 73), ESWT (n = 75), and RTL (n = 69). The treatment efficacy and pain intensity, as measured using the visual analog scale, were recorded and compared at the 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Pain intensity decreased significantly in all patients. However, it decreased significantly more in the CSI and RTL groups than in the ESWT group (P < .001). Age, sex, body mass index, calcaneal spur presence, and symptom duration were similar among 3 groups (P > .05). No complications were noted after the CSI, ESWT, or RTL sessions.

CONCLUSION

CSI, ESWT, and RTL successfully treated chronic plantar heel pain that did not respond to other conservative treatments; however, CSI and RTL yielded better therapeutic outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy vs Open Radiofrequency Microtenotomy for Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis

BACKGROUND

Although usually self-limiting, around 10% of patients develop recalcitrant plantar fasciitis despite conservative treatment. In such cases, operative intervention can be offered. Traditionally, plantar fasciotomy has been the treatment of choice, but recently, there has been a push for more minimally invasive approaches. Radiofrequency microtenotomy has also been increasingly used as a treatment option. In this study, we compare the outcomes of endoscopic plantar fasciotomy and open radiofrequency microtenotomy.

METHODS

Patients treated in our institution with either procedure between 2007 and 2015 were included and interviewed at baseline and 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) and 36-item Medical Outcomes Short Form (SF-36) questionnaires. They were asked questions to evaluate their expectation and satisfaction postoperatively. Demographic and clinicopathological data were prospectively collected from clinical charts and electronic records.

RESULTS

There was no difference in either treatment arms preoperatively and an overall improvement in all functional outcomes postoperatively. However, patients who had endoscopic plantar fasciotomy fared better at 3 months compared to patients who underwent open microtenotomy with the visual analog score component of the AOFAS hindfoot score (HINDVAS) and the social functioning and role-functioning-emotional reaching statistical significance ( P = .027, P = .03, and P = .03, respectively). There was no difference in functional outcomes at 6 or 12 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy was associated with an earlier improvement in functional outcome in our study. However, both treatments had equivalent outcomes at 1-year follow-up, suggesting that either method is reasonable in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, comparative study.

Radiofrequency Thermal Lesioning and Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy: A Comparison of Two Methods in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

We compared the results of radiofrequency thermal lesioning (RTL) and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. This prospective study included 56 patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis who had complaints for ≥6 months: 40 (group 1) underwent ESWT and 16 (group 2) underwent RTL. The presence of calcaneal spurs was investigated with imaging studies. All patients were followed up clinically at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. Clinical evaluations were performed by the visual analog scale (VAS) and the modified Roles-Maudsley (RM) scoring system. There was no significant difference in the age, sex, body mass index, and side of involvement between the groups (all P > .05). Radiographic evaluation showed calcaneal spurs in 22 patients (55%) in group 1 and 7 patients (43%) in group 2. There was no significant difference in the baseline and posttreatment values between the groups; however, group 2 had significantly different RM values at 1 month than group 1 ( P < .05). In both groups, the VAS scores significantly decreased at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment ( P < .05). The RM scores at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment significantly decreased in both groups, except for the RM values at 1 month after treatment in group 1 ( P < .05). Our study results suggest that RTL and ESWT are safe and effective treatments in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Level II: Therapeutic study.

Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Denervation of the Medial Calcaneal Nerve

OBJECTIVE

Plantar fasciosis is a common complaint of athletes, particularly for runners. The medial calcaneal nerve (MCN) may play a role in the pain syndrome, and radiofrequency (RF) denervation has been previously reported. The hypothesis is that ultrasound-guided denervation of the MCN results in symptomatic improvement.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

SETTING

Private practice.

PATIENTS

Twenty-nine patients previously receiving ultrasound-guided RF denervation of the MCN, having failed conservative therapy, were assessed in 2 groups, those more than (group 1, n = 16) or less than (group 2, n = 13) 6 months since the procedure.

INTERVENTIONS

Ultrasound-guided RF denervation of the MCN.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pain scores before denervation, as well as at maximal pain relief and the time of the interview. Levels of satisfaction and attitudes toward surgery were also assessed.

RESULTS

Pain scores decreased significantly in both groups, for both best and residual pain scores. Group 1 mean pain scores were 8.56 before procedure, 2.81 (P < 0.001 compared to baseline) at best pain score, and 3.75 (P < 0.01) residual pain score. Group 2 mean pain scores were 7.23 before procedure, 3.77 (P < 0.01) at best pain score and 4.92 (P < 0.01) residual pain score. Levels of satisfaction were predominantly positive (69% of group 1% and 54% of group 2 were either somewhat or very satisfied), with attitudes toward surgery unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with refractory plantar heel pain, ultrasound-guided denervation of the MCN can potentially improve symptoms, although efficacy needs assessing in comparative studies.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Ultrasound-guided denervation of the MCN provides a further management option for patients with refractory plantar fasciosis.

Treatment of Chronic Plantar Heel Pain With Radiofrequency Neural Ablation of the First Branch of the Lateral Plantar Nerve and Medial Calcaneal Nerve Branches

From March 2012 to February 2013, 37 patients experiencing plantar heel pain for ≥6 months despite treatment with physical therapy and other conservative treatment modalities were followed up. If neurogenic heel pain originating from the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve was present, with or without the medial calcaneal nerve, diagnostic nerve blocks to these nerves were performed for confirmation. If the pain was determined to be of neurogenic origin, radiofrequency neural ablation (RFNA) was applied to the corresponding sensory nerve endings. Pain was evaluated using the visual analog scale, and patients were followed for at least one year. A total of 41 feet from 37 patients (30 [81.1%] females, 7 [18.9%] males; mean age, 50.7 ± 1.6 years; mean body mass index, 30.6 ± 0.7 kg/m(2)) were included. The mean visual analog scale scores improved significantly from 1 to 6 to 12 months after the procedure relative to before the procedure, with 88% of all patients rating the treatment as either very successful or successful at 12 months postoperatively. RFNA applied to both the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve and the medial calcaneal nerve sensory branches (16 [39%] feet) and only the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve sensory branches (25 [61%] feet) showed similarly high levels of success. Of the 41 feet, 28 [68.3%] had received extracorporeal shockwave therapy, 35 [85.4%] had received steroid injections, and 22 [53.7%] had received both extracorporeal shockwave therapy and steroid injections before RFNA as an index procedure. All were unresponsive to these previous treatments. In contrast, almost all (88%) were treated successfully with RFNA. Despite a high incidence of neurologic variations, with a precise diagnosis and good application of the technique using the painful points, chronic plantar heel pain can be treated successfully with RFNA.

Chronic Plantar Fasciitis is Mediated by Local Hemodynamics: Implications for Emerging Therapies

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common, disabling condition affecting millions of patients each year. With early diagnosis and timely application of traditional nonsurgical treatments, symptoms generally resolve over time. However, despite adequate treatment, 20% of patients will experience persistent symptoms. In these patients, minimally invasive therapies that augment local hemodynamics to initiate a regenerative tissue-healing cascade have the greatest potential to resolve long-standing symptoms. We performed a narrative review based on a best evidence evaluation of manuscripts published in Medline-indexed journals to determine the mechanisms involved in soft tissue injury and healing. This evaluation also highlights emerging minimally invasive therapies that exploit these mechanisms in recalcitrant PF.

Prospective study of percutaneous radiofrequency nerve ablation for chronic plantar fasciitis

BACKGROUND

Chronic plantar heel pain is one of the most painful foot conditions and is generally associated with plantar fasciitis. This study reports 2-year follow-up results of radiofrequency nerve ablation (RFNA) of the calcaneal branches of the inferior calcaneal nerve in patients with chronic heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis.

METHODS

After receiving approval from the institutional review board, we prospectively evaluated the results of the RFNA of the calcaneal branches of the inferior calcaneal nerve on 35 feet in 29 patients with plantar heel pain between 2008 and 2011. All of the patients who were treated had been complaining of heel pain for more than 6 months and had failed conservative treatment. All of the patients were evaluated (quantitatively) using the average 10-point Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before treatment, as well as at their 1-month, 1-year, and 2-year follow-up after the procedure. We also evaluated 26 feet in 20 patients with American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale (AOFAS) scores before the treatment, as well as at their 1-month, 1-year, and 2-year follow-up after the procedure.

RESULTS

The average VAS score of the feet was 9.2 ± 1.9 before treatment, 0.5 ± 1.3 at 1 month after the procedure, 1.5 ± 2.1 at 1-year follow-up, and 1.3 ± 1.8 at 2-year follow-up (P < .001). The average AOFAS scores of the patients were 66.9 ± 8.1 (range, 44-80) before treatment, 95.2 ± 6.1 (range, 77-100) at 1 month after the procedure, 93 ± 7.5 (range, 71-100) at the 1-year follow-up, and 93.3 ± 7.9 (range, 69-100) at the 2-year follow-up. At the 1- and 2-year follow-up, 85.7% of the patients rated their treatment as very successful or successful.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that RFNA of the calcaneal branches of the inferior calcaneal nerve was an effective pain treatment option for chronic heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis that did not respond to other conservative treatment options.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

A prospective, randomized, double-blinded study with crossover to determine the efficacy of radio-frequency nerve ablation for the treatment of heel pain

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated that radio-frequency nerve ablation (RFNA) can be an effective treatment for plantar fasciosis. This study provides additional evidence in support of this treatment, with statistically significant data that demonstrate the success of this technique.

METHODS

In this multicenter, randomized, prospective, double-blinded study with crossover, 17 patients were divided into two groups, with eight initially receiving RFNA treatment and nine initially receiving sham treatment. If no improvement was observed after 4 weeks, a crossover was offered. Results of the treatment were evaluated by the patient and by a blinded physician using a visual analog pain scale to rate first-step pain, average pain, and peak pain in the heel region.

RESULTS

We observed a statistically significant improvement in the symptoms of plantar fasciosis in patients actively treated with RFNA and no significant improvement in the sham-treated group. More important, those treated with sham subsequently demonstrated statistically significant improvement after subsequent RFNA treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a prospective, randomized study with sham treatment and crossover, this study demonstrates the efficacy of RFNA for the treatment of plantar fasciosis.

Open technique is more effective than percutaneous technique for TOPAZ radiofrequency coblation for plantar fasciitis

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 long term studies to show its effectiveness in plantar fasciitis.

METHODS

A prospective non-randomised trial was conducted on 48 patients who had failed conservative treatment for plantar fasciitis, between 2007 and 2009. The procedure was performed using the TOPAZ microdebrider device (ArthroCare, Sunnyvale, CA), either via an open or a percutaneous method. Fifty-nine feet were treated and followed up for up to 1 year thereafter. Preoperative, 3, 6 and 12 months post-operative VAS pain, American Orthopaedic Foot-Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot and SF-36 scores, patient expectation and satisfaction scores were analysed.

RESULTS

VAS scores improved significantly in both groups at 1-year follow-up. The open group had a more significant improvement in the VAS score at 1-year follow-up. AOFAS hindfoot scores improve significantly for both groups pre- and post-operatively, but there was no significant difference between both groups at the 1-year mark. SF-36 scores showed equally significant improvement in both groups 1 year post-operatively. Expectation and satisfaction scores were equally high in both arms.

CONCLUSIONS

TOPAZ RF coblation is a good and effective method for the treatment of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. Clinical results improve with time for up to 1-year post-operatively. The open method seems to have a more significant improvement in pain VAS scores at 1-year postoperatively.

Heel pain in the athlete

Context:

Heel pain, a relatively common problem in the athlete, can present a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. The purpose of this article is to review treatment techniques for common causes of heel pain in the athlete.

Evidence Acquisition:

Articles in the English literature through August 2008 were selected and reviewed in the context of the management of heel pain in the athlete. Clinical and surgical photographs are presented as an illustration of preferred techniques and pertinent pathologic findings.

Results:

Although nonoperative treatment remains the mainstay for most painful heel pathologies, a number of surgical interventions have shown encouraging results in carefully selected patients.

Conclusions:

The management of heel pain in the athlete requires diagnostic skill, appropriate imaging evaluation, and a careful, initially conservative approach to treatment. Surgical treatment can be successful in carefully selected patients.

Clinical and ultrasonographic results of ultrasonographically guided percutaneous radiofrequency lesioning in the treatment of recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis

BACKGROUND

In patients with lateral epicondylitis recalcitrant to nonsurgical treatments, surgical intervention is considered. Despite the numerous therapies reported, the current trend of treatment places particular emphasis on minimally invasive techniques.

PURPOSE

The authors present a newly developed minimally invasive procedure, ultrasonographically guided percutaneous radiofrequency thermal lesioning (RTL), and its clinical efficacy in treating recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis.

CASE SERIES

Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients (35 elbows), with a mean age of 52.1 years (range, 35-65 years), suffered from symptomatic lateral epicondylitis for more than 6 months and had exhausted nonoperative therapies. They were treated with ultrasonographically guided RTL. Patients were followed up at least 6 months by physical examination and 12 months by interview. The intensity of pain was recorded with a visual analog scale (VAS) score. The functional outcome was evaluated using grip strength, the upper limb Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) outcome measure, and the Modified Mayo Clinic Performance Index (MMCPI) for the elbow. The ultrasonographic findings regarding the extensor tendon origin were recorded, as were the complications.

RESULTS

At the time of the 6-month follow-up, the average VAS score in resting (from 4.9 to 0.9), palpation (from 7.6 to 2.5), and grip (from 8.2 to 2.9) had improved significantly compared with the preoperative condition (P < .01). The grip strength (from 20.6 to 27.0 kg) and QuickDASH score (from 54.3 to 21.0) had also improved significantly (P < .01). The MMCPI score improved from "poor" to "excellent." The ultrasonographic finding revealed that the thickness of the common extensor tendon origin did not change significantly. At the final follow-up (mean, 14.3 months; range, 12-21 months), the patients reported a 78% reduction in pain compared with the preoperative status. No major complications were noted in any patient.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasonographically guided RTL for recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis was found to be a minimally invasive treatment with satisfactory results in this pilot investigation. This innovative method can be considered as an alternative treatment of recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis before further surgical intervention.

A 12-year long-term retrospective analysis of the use of radiofrequency nerve ablation for the treatment of neurogenic heel pain

The authors discuss their rationale for the use of radiofrequency nerve ablation (RFNA) in the treatment of chronic neurogenic heel pain. Patients treated for plantar fasciitis who fail to improve after conservative and/ or surgical treatment should be reevaluated for a coexistent nerve entrapment. The results of a retrospective study of 82 patients who have undergone RFNA are presented. The patients were followed at 5, 10, and 12 years after the procedure. An evaluation of medical records was performed as a means of inclusion in this study. A standardized telephone interview was then done, and subjectively scored responses of the patients were recorded and analyzed. Of the patients, 89% reported no recurrence of pain after 5, 10, and 12 years postoperatively. The procedure is relatively easy to perform and involves inserting a 22-gauge cannula with an electrode into the areas of pain. This is done under general anesthesia. It takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes per heel to perform, depending on how many sites of tenderness have been identified. The patient is discharged with a minimal bandage and returns to shoe gear immediately following the procedure. The success rate with RFNA appears to be quite high with fewer associated risks and less post-operative morbidity.

A retrospective analysis of 22 patients treated with percutaneous radiofrequency nerve ablation for prolonged moderate to severe heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis

A retrospective study involving 22 patients (31 feet) with a history of prolonged moderate to severe heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis were examined to determine if ablation of the sensory branch of the medial calcaneal nerve would result in symptomatic relief. Participants in this study were given subjective questionnaires and visual analog scales in order to rate their symptoms before and after nerve ablation using radiofrequency energy. The results showed that the mean preintervention visual analog pain score was 8.12 +/- 1.61 (with 10 being the worst pain the patient could imagine), and this dropped to 3.26 +/- 1.97 after 1 week and 1.46 +/- 1.76 after 1 month, 1.96 +/- 1.98 at 3 months, and 2.07 +/- 2.06 at 6 months, and the improvement was statistically significant (P < .001) at each stage of follow-up. Furthermore, patients followed for up to 1 year showed no significant worsening of symptoms. Adverse events were limited to hematoma at the site of entry of the radiofrequency cannula. These findings support the conclusion that radiofrequency nerve ablation be considered an alternative to repetitive corticosteroid injections or open surgical intervention for the treatment of recalcitrant plantar heel pain.

LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE

4.

A retrospective study of radiofrequency thermal lesioning for the treatment of neuritis of the medial calcaneal nerve and its terminal branches in chronic heel pain

We undertook a retrospective analysis of 75 consecutive patients with recalcitrant plantar heel pain caused by calcaneal neuritis, all who were treated with radiofrequency thermal lesioning (RTL). The median age of the cohort was 55 (range 24 to 83) years, 25 (33.3%) of the patients were male, 50 (66.7%) of the patients were female, and 15 (20%) of the patients were treated for bilateral heel pain caused by medial calcaneal neuritis. The median preoperative VAS score was 9 (range 2 to 10), whereas the median long-term postoperative VAS score was 1 (range 0 to 8), and this difference was highly statistically significant (P < .0001). Five (6.7%) of the patients experienced recurrent heel pain, over a median follow-up duration of 18 (range 12 to 36) months. Overall, 93.3% of the patients experienced satisfactory pain relief with radiofrequency lesioning for the treatment of recalcitrant plantar heel pain caused by medial calcaneal neuritis.

LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE

2.

Radiofrequency ablation: a nursing perspective

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as a safe and predictable technology for treating certain patients with cancer who otherwise have few treatment options. Nurses need to be familiar with all phases of the RFA procedure to create an optimal environment for patients. This article offers a brief review of the RFA procedure and nurses' responsibilities in caring for these patients. Before RFA, nurses should focus on patient education and aggressive hydration. During the procedure, nurses can prevent injury by placing grounding pads appropriately, monitoring vital signs, and medicating patients as needed. After RFA, nurses should assess the skin puncture site, provide adequate pain relief, and, again, hydrate patients. Nurses who care appropriately for RFA recipients may help to improve patient outcomes and make an otherwise frightening procedure more comfortable.

Evaluation of ultrasound-guided extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis

Thirty patients (39 heels) were evaluated to determine the success of ultrasound-guided ESWT for treatment of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. All patients had been diagnosed and treated for plantar fasciitis for greater than 6 months and had failed at least 3 conservative treatment modalities. Each patient received 3800 shockwaves into the treated heel using the Dornier Epos Ultra ESWT machine. The average postoperative follow-up was 124 days (range, 33 to 255). Written subjective surveys evaluated pre- and posttreatment pain levels using a visual analog scoring system. The mean pretreatment score was 8.51 (range, 5 to 10), which improved to a mean follow-up score of 3.75 (range, 0 to 10). This represents an improvement in the mean VAS of 4.76, which is statistically significant ( P = .0002). Twenty-five of 30 patients reported some degree of improvement, with 5 experiencing no change. These early results indicate ultrasound-guided ESWT may be a useful tool in the treatment armamentarium for chronic plantar fasciitis.

Radiotherapy in painful heel spurs (plantar fasciitis)—results of a national patterns of care study

PURPOSE

After a general patterns of care study, the German Cooperative Group on Radiotherapy for Benign Diseases conducted a multicenter cohort study to analyze radiotherapy (RT) in painful heel spur syndrome (HSS).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

In 2001, a patterns of care study was conducted in all German RT institutions using a standardized structured questionnaire. Patient accrual, patient number, pretreatment, pain record, treatment indications, RT technique, and target volume concepts for painful HSS were assessed. In addition, the functional and subjective outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of the institutions, 146 (79.3%) returned the questionnaire: 10 (6.8%) reported no clinical experience with RT for HSS, and 136 (93.2%) treated 3621 patients annually, a median of 23 cases/institution. The indications for treatment were chronic or therapy refractory pain. The total dose ranged between 2.5 and 18.75 Gy (median 6), and single fractions ranged between 0.3 and 1. 5 Gy (median 1). Of the responding institutions, 44.9% applied two fractions and 37.5% three fractions weekly. RT was delivered with orthovoltage units (38.2%), linear accelerators (53.7%), (60)Co units (5.1%), or other treatment units (3%). Seventy-six institutions presented their retrospective clinical evaluation in a total of 7947 patients. Pain reduction for at least 3 months was reported in 70%, and persistent pain reduction was reported in 65% of the treated patients. In 19 institutions, a second RT series was applied for inadequate pain response or early pain recurrence. No radiogenic acute or chronic side effects were observed.

CONCLUSION

The study comprised the largest number of cases reported of RT for painful HSS. Despite variations in the daily RT practice, this national patterns of care study represents a very large number of painful and refractory HSS cases that were treated effectively with RT.

The role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis and management of idiopathic plantar fasciitis

OBJECTIVE

To compare ultrasonography with bone scintigraphy in the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis and to compare ultrasound-guided injection with palpation-guided injection in the management of idiopathic plantar fasciitis.

METHODS

Twenty-three patients with a clinical diagnosis of idiopathic plantar fasciitis in 28 heels underwent ultrasonography and bone scintigraphy of both heels at baseline. The patients were randomized to ultrasound- or palpation-guided injection of triamcinolone hexacetonide and xylocaine into the plantar fascia. The 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain, the heel tenderness index (HTI), and ultrasonography were performed at baseline and follow-up (mean=13.4 weeks).

RESULTS

The mean thickness (+/-standard error of the mean) of the plantar fascia, measured by ultrasonography, was 5.7+/-0.3 mm in symptomatic heels as compared with 3.8+/-0.2 mm in asymptomatic heels (P<0.001). Ultrasonography findings correlated with bone scintigraphic findings in the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis (P<0.001). Fourteen heels were randomized to ultrasound-guided injection, 10 heels were randomized to palpation-guided injection and four heels were not injected. Ultrasound- and palpation-guided injection resulted in significant mean improvements in VAS [39.6+/-9.2 (ultrasound) vs 41.5+/-8 (palpation)] and HTI [1.35+/-0.2 (ultrasound) vs 1.3+/-0.4 (palpation)]. There was no significant difference in the response rate following corticosteroid injection by either modality (ultrasound=13/14, palpation=8/10). Following injection, the mean thickness of the plantar fascia decreased from 5.7+/-0.3 mm to 4.65+/-0.4 mm (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Ultrasonography and bone scintigraphy are equally effective in the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. Ultrasound-guided injection is effective in the management of plantar fasciitis but is not more effective than palpation-guided injection. Ultrasonography may be used as an objective measure of response to treatment in plantar fasciitis.

Endoscopic release of plantar fasciitis--a benign procedure?

This is a case report of a patient suffering from subcalcaneal pain syndrome due to plantar fasciitis that was resistant to non surgical treatment. After endoscopic partial release of the plantar fascia the patient was pain free for several weeks, before he became symptomatic again. This new pain was located more proximally. An MRI study showed a stress reaction of the calcaneus.