RF Safe

Radiofrequency microtenotomy is as effective as plantar fasciotomy in the treatment of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis.

Foot and ankle surgery : official journal of the European Society of Foot and Ankle Surgeons · 2016 · Mixed · Low evidence

← Research stream
MixedLow evidencePaper 2913

Across groups undergoing radiofrequency microtenotomy (RM), plantar fasciotomy (PF), or both, there were no differences in patient-reported outcomes. Patients who underwent both procedures had no added benefit and had a higher rate of complications.

Study snapshot

PublicationFoot and ankle surgery : official journal of the European Society of Foot and Ankle Surgeons · 2016
Study typecohort
Reported directionMixed
Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

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.

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typecohort
Effect directionmixed
PopulationPatients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis treated at a single institution (2007–2014)
Sample sizeNot supplied
ExposureNot supplied
Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Across groups undergoing radiofrequency microtenotomy (RM), plantar fasciotomy (PF), or both, there were no differences in patient-reported outcomes. Patients who underwent both procedures had no added benefit and had a higher rate of complications.

Outcomes measured

  • SF-36 Health Survey
  • AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale
  • Patient satisfaction (2 questions)
  • Patient expectations (2 questions)
  • Complications

Limitations

  • Non-randomized design (patients analyzed based on procedures received)
  • Sample size not reported in abstract
  • Exposure parameters for radiofrequency (e.g., frequency, dose) not reported
  • Single-institution study
View raw extracted JSON
{
  "study_type": "cohort",
  "exposure": {
    "band": null,
    "source": null,
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": "Patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis treated at a single institution (2007–2014)",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "SF-36 Health Survey",
    "AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale",
    "Patient satisfaction (2 questions)",
    "Patient expectations (2 questions)",
    "Complications"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Across groups undergoing radiofrequency microtenotomy (RM), plantar fasciotomy (PF), or both, there were no differences in patient-reported outcomes. Patients who underwent both procedures had no added benefit and had a higher rate of complications.",
  "effect_direction": "mixed",
  "limitations": [
    "Non-randomized design (patients analyzed based on procedures received)",
    "Sample size not reported in abstract",
    "Exposure parameters for radiofrequency (e.g., frequency, dose) not reported",
    "Single-institution study"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "radiofrequency microtenotomy",
    "plantar fasciotomy",
    "plantar fasciitis",
    "AOFAS",
    "SF-36",
    "complications",
    "satisfaction",
    "expectations"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}
AI can be wrong. Always verify against the paper.

AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1016/j.fas.2015.11.006
PubMed: 27810027

Read the original paper →

Related papers

← Back to the Research Library