"compari̇son of the effi̇ci̇ency of two di̇fferent radi̇ofrequency techni̇que i̇n the plantar fasci̇i̇ti̇s cases whi̇ch are resi̇stance to the conservati̇ve treatment"

Proximal plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain in adults. Plantar fasciitis is a degenerative syndrome of the plantar fascia resulting from repeated trauma at its origin on the calcaneus. A large proportion of patients recover with conservative treatments. Surgical release of the plantar fascia could be considered in patients who do not succesfully respond to the conservative treatments. However this can cause some morbidities. Radio Frequency Nerve Ablation is a safe treatment which has developed to avoid surgical complications in the PFs treatment. It has been determined that radiofrequency treatment provides relieving on the plantar heel pain without any significant complication. In this study, we have searched the effects of Radyofrekans treatment in the plantar fasciitis cases which were resistant to conservative treatments. Furthermore we have compared the effects of conventional radiofrequency and pulsed radiofrequency treatments. In our study; 61 patients clinically diagnosed with plantar fasciitis (68 feet) were included. This was a prospective study. Patients were divided into two basic randomized groups as Conventional Radiofrequency and Pulsed Radiofrequency. The groups were prepared as Group K (The group treated by conventional radiofrequency, n=34) and Group P (The group treated by Pulse radiofrequency, n=34). In the Group K 86˚, 105 seconds thermal radiofrequency and in Group P 42˚, 120 seconds pulsed radiofrequency were performed. In this study, VAS (Visual Analog Scale) and AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle and hind foot scores) scores were used. Measurements were made at baseline, first week, first month, and third month after treatment.. In both groups the complaint of heel pain significantly reduced (p<0,001). The most significant reduce was observed on the first week. During the process pain was observed in Group K (55,9%) but not in Group P. Radiofrequency in PFs treatment is an excellent alternative method instead of surgery. We suggest radiofrequency treatment to the patients who are resistant to the conservative treatment. The patients who can not tolerate the pain during the practice, we suggest pulsed radiofrequency.