Radiofrequency Microtenotomy or Physical Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy: Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Background Achilles tendinopathy is a painful disorder, and various treatment options are available. Bipolar radiofrequency microtenotomy (RFM) has shown promising results in treating tendinosis. Purpose/hypothesis The purpose was to compare the results between treatment with bipolar RFM and physical therapy (PT) for patients with midportion Achilles tendinopathy. It was hypothesized that RFM would be equivalent or superior to PT. Study design Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods A total of 38 patients with midportion Achilles tendinopathy were evaluated for 2 years. The patients were randomized to receive either RFM or PT. There were 20 patients in the RFM group and 18 patients in the PT group. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). The degree of tendinosis was evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the affected ankle performed before intervention and 2 years after intervention. Results In both groups, the VAS scores at the 2-year follow-up were significantly improved compared with preintervention: from 7.2 ± 1.5 to 1.0 ± 1.4 for the RFM group and from 5.9 ± 1.3 to 3.1 ± 1.8 for the PT group ( P P P Conclusion In this randomized study, the clinical assessments revealed significant improvements in the VAS, FAOS, and tendinosis score as seen on MRI 2 years after i

Evidence level

Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.

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