Abstract
ObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic benefit of ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) stimulation at the posterior tibial nerve (PTN) in patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis (PF). DesignA prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial (12-wk follow-up). SettingOutpatient local medical center settings. ParticipantsPatients (N=36) with recalcitrant PF underwent randomization, and all were included in the final data analysis. InterventionsPatients in the PRF group were treated with 1 dose of ultrasound-guided PRF stimulation at the PTN, and those in the control group received 1 dose of 2% lidocaine, 0.5mL, injected at the PTN under ultrasound guidance. Main Outcome MeasuresThe visual analog scale (first-step and overall pain), American Orthopedic Foot-Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale, and ultrasonographic thickness of the plantar fascia were evaluated at 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment. ResultsThirty-six patients (20 feet per group) completed the study. The PRF group had a significantly larger improvement in first-step pain, overall pain, and AOFAS score (all P<.001), as well as plantar fascia thickness (P<.05), compared with those of the control group at all observed time points. ConclusionsThis study shows that ultrasound-guided PRF stimulation at the PTN is effective for treating recalcitrant PF. This simple, reproducible method could be a novel strategy for managing recalcitrant PF.
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