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

• Published in: Foot (Edinburgh, Scotland) Scotland), 2022-03, Vol.50, p.101869-101869, Article 101869
• Main Authors: Thor, Jessica, Mao, David Weijia, Chandrakumara, Darshana, Zheng, Qishi, Yoo, Tae Wook, Kon Kam King, Charles
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Endoscopy; Fasciitis, Plantar - surgery; Foot; Humans; Microtenotomy; Muscle, Skeletal; Plantar fasciitis; Radiofrequency; Review
• ISSN: 0958-2592; 1532-2963
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foot.2021.101869

•There is fair evidence (grade B) to support radiofrequency microtenotomy for plantar fasciitis.•Meta-analysis showed radiofrequency microtenotomy resulted in a mean increase in AOFAS score of 40.9.•There was no good (grade A) evidence due to a lack of high quality level I randomised controlled trials in the literature. 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. 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. 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. 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 II, systematic review of level II studies.