OBJECTIVETo evaluate therapy effect of radiofrequency in the treatment of painful heel syndrome under arthroscopy.

METHODSFrom January 2006 to December 2011, 13 patients with painful heel syndrome being admitted into our hospital were studied. There were 5 males and 8 femals, ranging in age from 35 to 68 years. All these surgeries were performed under local anesthesia. After constructing a man-made lacouna in the subcutaneous tissue above plantar fascia, a medial and a lateral portal were established on both sides of plantar fascia and at the anterior edge of calcaneal tuberosity. Hyperplasia and torn fiber tissue of plantar fascia, and plantar calcaneal bursa were removed with radiofrequency probe under arthroscopy. Then penetration of the plantar fascia was carried out in a reticulation-shaped pattern with a special radiofrequency probe TOPAZ. Each patient was assessed with VAS pain evaluation criteria and AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score system (AOFAS-AH) before and after operation. All the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 6 to 12 months.

RESULTSAll the 13 patients got excellent recovery with their heel pain relieved significantly. VAS score was 8.71 +/- 1.64 before operation, 6.27 +/- 2.53 at the 1st month after operation, and 2.30 +/- 2.69 at the 6th month after operation. AOFAS-AH score was 56.43 +/- 3.72 preoperation, 68.15 +/- 7.38 at 1st month post operation, and 84.51 +/- 2.93 at 6th month after operation. There were no perioperative and postoperative complications related to the procedure, such as blood vessel and nerve injury, and infection.

CONCLUSIONPlantar fasciitis and plantar calcaneal bursitis are main factors of painful heel syndrome. Due to advantages of being easy to operate, having definite effect and no use to do spur removal or plantar fasciotomy. Endoscopy assisted plantar calcaneal bursa removal and plantar fascia penetration by radiofrequency technique can be a satisfactory treatment method for painful heel syndrome.