title: Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Denervation of the Medial Calcaneal Nerve.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective cohort.
  
  
  METHODS
  Private practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ultrasound-guided RF denervation of the MCN.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ultrasound-guided denervation of the MCN provides a further management option for patients with refractory plantar fasciosis.
authors: *Imaging at Olympic Park, Melbourne, Australia; †Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; and ‡Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
authors: Peter D
authors: PD
authors: Counsel
authors: Marcus
authors: M
authors: Davenport
authors: Angus
authors: A
authors: Brown
authors: Chin Chin
authors: CC
authors: Ooi
authors: Jules
authors: J
authors: Comin
authors: Paul
authors: P
authors: Marks
authors: David A
authors: DA
authors: Connell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003714:Denervation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006365:Heel / Q000294:innervation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional; D055815:Young Adult