Radiofrequency microtenotomy is as effective as plantar fasciotomy in the treatment of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis.
BACKGROUND
Radiofrequency microtenotomy (RM) is effective for treating plantar fasciitis. No studies have compared it to the plantar fasciotomy (PF). We hypothesized that RM is equally effective and provides no additional benefit when performed with PF.


METHODS
Between 2007 and 2014, all patients who underwent either or both procedures concurrently at our institution were analyzed. Data collected included demographics, SF-36 Health Survey, AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale, and two questions regarding satisfaction and expectations, all of which were assessed pre-operatively and post-operatively at 6-months and 1-year. ANOVA with Bonferroni correction was used to compare scores at each interval. Logistic regression was used to identify pre-operative factors that predicted for satisfaction and expectations.


RESULTS
There were no differences in patient outcomes. No pre-operative factors predicted for satisfaction and expectations.


CONCLUSIONS
RM is as effective as PF in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Patients who underwent both procedures experienced no benefit and a higher rate of complications.
Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, 8 College Road, 169857, Singapore. Electronic address: andrew.chou@alumni.stanford.edu.
Andrew Chia Chen
AC
Chou
Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, 8 College Road, 169857, Singapore; Foot and Ankle Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, 169608, Singapore.
Sean Yung Chuan
SY
Ng
Foot and Ankle Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, 169608, Singapore.
David Hsien Ching
DH
Su
Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, 8 College Road, 169857, Singapore; Foot and Ankle Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, 169608, Singapore.
Inderjeet Rikhraj
IR
Singh
Foot and Ankle Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, 169608, Singapore.
Kevin
K
Koo
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D036981:Fasciitis, Plantar / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D000071938:Fasciotomy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061646:Operative Time; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D058971:Tenotomy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome