Objective: Plantar fasciosis is a common complaint of athletes, particularly for runners. The medial calcaneal nerve (MCN) may play a role in the pain syndrome, and radiofrequency (RF) denervation has been previously reported. The hypothesis is that ultrasound-guided denervation of the MCN results in symptomatic improvement.
Design: Retrospective cohort.
Setting: Private practice.
Patients: Twenty-nine patients previously receiving ultrasound-guided RF denervation of the MCN, having failed conservative therapy, were assessed in 2 groups, those more than (group 1, n = 16) or less than (group 2, n = 13) 6 months since the procedure.
Interventions: Ultrasound-guided RF denervation of the MCN.
Main outcome measures: Pain scores before denervation, as well as at maximal pain relief and the time of the interview. Levels of satisfaction and attitudes toward surgery were also assessed.
Results: Pain scores decreased significantly in both groups, for both best and residual pain scores. Group 1 mean pain scores were 8.56 before procedure, 2.81 (P < 0.001 compared to baseline) at best pain score, and 3.75 (P < 0.01) residual pain score. Group 2 mean pain scores were 7.23 before procedure, 3.77 (P < 0.01) at best pain score and 4.92 (P < 0.01) residual pain score. Levels of satisfaction were predominantly positive (69% of group 1% and 54% of group 2 were either somewhat or very satisfied), with attitudes toward surgery unchanged.
Conclusions: For patients with refractory plantar heel pain, ultrasound-guided denervation of the MCN can potentially improve symptoms, although efficacy needs assessing in comparative studies.
Clinical relevance: Ultrasound-guided denervation of the MCN provides a further management option for patients with refractory plantar fasciosis.