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TOPLINE:
Radiofrequency microtenotomy using the Topaz technique led to significant pain reduction, functional improvement, and low complication rates in patients with chronic plantar fasciopathy who were unresponsive to conservative treatments.
METHODOLOGY:
- Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 studies involving 1576 patients (mean age, 45-55 years) with chronic plantar fasciopathy to evaluate the efficacy of Topaz coblation radiofrequency.
- They assessed pain reduction using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) function scores, and complication rates.
TAKEAWAY:
- Meta-analysis revealed a significant reduction in pain, with a combined effect size of 5.90 points on the VAS scale (95% CI, 5.03-6.77; P < .001).
- The pooled effect showed a mean functional gain of 32.78 points (95% CI, 14.86-50.69; P = .0053) on the AOFAS scale.
- The complication rate was notably low, with a pooled effect size of 0.03 (95% CI, 0.02-0.04; P < .001).
- Across studies comparing the success rates of the Topaz technique alone and in combination with gastrocnemius lengthening, the combination of both techniques yielded superior results.
IN PRACTICE:
“The Topaz technique radiofrequency appears to be a safe and effective option for the treatment of chronic plantar fasciopathy, particularly in patients unresponsive to conservative therapies. This technique is associated with high success rates, low complication risks, and relatively fast recovery. Its ultrasound-guided application enhances procedural accuracy and minimizes tissue damage,” the authors wrote.
SOURCE:
The study was led by Sandra Domingo-Marques, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Valencia Catholic University San Vicente Martir, Valencia, Spain. It was published online on April 20, 2025, in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.
LIMITATIONS:
According to the authors, a primary limitation was the relative novelty of the Topaz technique, leading to a paucity of clinical evidence. The lack of standardization in postoperative rehabilitation protocols — such as variations in weight-bearing progression, physical therapy approaches, and follow-up durations — may have influenced reported outcomes. Additionally, the exact biological mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of the Topaz technique have not been fully elucidated.
DISCLOSURES:
The study received no external funding. The authors reported no financial, personal, or professional conflicts of interest related to the study results.
This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
