[Arthroscopically assisted radiofrequency probe to treat achilles tendinitis]

To evaluate the effectiveness of micro-tenotomy using a radiofrequency (RF) probe to treat chronicity achilles tendinitis.

Seventeen cases of chronicity achilles tendinitis were treated by RF probe. Eleven cases were male, and 6 female. The average age of the patients was 25 (17-48) years. Nine were athlete, 4 sports activity and 4 students. Seven were in left side, and 10 right side. Before receiving the RF therapy all patients had achilles tendinitis symptoms. The patients were treated with local anesthesia under arthroscopy by Arthrocare 2000 and TOPAZ. The operation were performed through a artificial lacuna under the subcutaneous tissue of achilles tend, insert arthroscope. The pathology test found the achilles tendon surface fibrous tissue hyperplasia and tear. The probe of RF to perforate just as meshwork, the space was 3-5 mm.

Patients reported significantly reduced pain from 7 to 14 d postoperatively. The symptoms of pain was completely disappeared in 15, obviously relieve in 2. The functional outcome was assessed using the VAS score evaluation, perioperative 8.7 and postoperative 1.6. There were no perioperative and postoperative complications related to the procedure, as rupture of achilles tendon, blood vessel and nerve injury. No infection and recur was found in the cases.

RF therapy for chronicity achilles tendinitis under the arthroscopy with minimum invasion is less pain and easy for early rehabilitation. The result is satisfactory.