Comparative results of the use of modified bipolar radiofrequency ablation in patients with proximal plantar fasciopathy

The aim of the study was to compare the results of treatment of patients with proximal plantar fasciopathy based on the analysis of sonographic examination, dynamics of relief of plantar heel pain and restoration of foot function. Materials and methods. The results of treatment of 36 patients in the period from 2017 to 2022 were analyzed. Among the supervised patients, there were 14 women (38.8%) and 22 men (61.2%), with an average age of 55.4 [46.7; 61.7] years. All patients were randomly assigned to three groups of 12 patients each. In the control group, shock wave therapy, which was not used at previous stages, was used for treatment, in the comparison group - minimally invasive bipolar radiofrequency ablation, in the main group – minimally invasive bipolar radiofrequency ablation according to the method modified by the authors. Comparative evaluation of the results was carried out within 1, 3, 6 and 12 months from the date of surgical treatment in groups 2 and 3 and from the date of completion of the UHT course in group 1. Results. The median thickness of plantar aponeurosis of the foot with pain did not differ between groups at 3 months after completion of treatment, and at 6 months, these indicators were significantly different between the control and main groups (p=0.0012). In an intergroup analysis of the dynamics of pain syndrome and foot functionality, the treatment results in the main group showed a statistically significant advantage compared with groups 1 and 2 after 1, 3 and 6 months of follow-up (p0.05). Conclusions. A modified minimally invasive radiofrequency ablation method in the treatment of patients with intractable plantar-heel pain showed better final results at an earlier date in comparison with the standard ablation technique and a course of shock wave therapy. The results obtained look encouraging and can be considered as priority treatment options for patients who have exhausted all conservative treatment options over the past six months.