Radiofrequency Microdebridement Versus Surgical Decompression for Achilles Tendinosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Achilles tendinosis is primarily managed nonoperatively with activity modification and physiotherapy, although surgery can be required. This has classically involved surgical decompression of the Achilles tendon, although the use of radiofrequency microdebridement has been suggested as a novel minimally invasive alternative. We present a randomized controlled trial comparing radiofrequency microdebridement using the Topaz^® microdebrider wand and traditional surgical decompression. All patients with Achilles tendinosis referred to a single surgeon and meeting the inclusion criteria were invited to participate in our single-blinded, randomized controlled study. The Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire and the visual analog scale were used as measures at baseline and 6 months postoperatively. From 2009 to 2014, 16 patients were randomized to traditional decompression treatment and 20 to Topaz^® treatment. All surgical procedures were performed as day-case procedures with the patient under general anesthetic by a single surgeon. No significant differences were found between the groups in demographic data. At 6 months after intervention, both groups demonstrated an improvement in the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles and visual analog scale scores compared with baseline, with no difference found between treatment modalities at 6 months. The Topaz^® microdebrider resulted in variable outcomes after surgery and is not without complications. Regarding the patient-reported outcome measures, Topaz^® conferred no additional benefit compared with traditional surgical decompression and we have stopped using Topaz^® in our treatment of Achilles tendinosis.