Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Topaz Coblation for Chronic Heel Pain, "Plantar Fasciosis"

 One of the most minimally invasive procedures for plantar fasciosis treatment is Topaz Coblation therapy. This is an outpatient procedure under IV/local sedation. Approximately 24 to 30 needle holes in a square pattern on the medial and central bands of the fascia in the medial calcaneal tubercle region at the area of greatest pain. The Topaz instrument is placed into the needle holes and the plantar fascia is fenestrated with a short burst of electric energy. This results in microscopic cutting of the fascia, increased blood supply and breakup of the scar tissue. There also seems to be an increase in strength to the fascia with this procedure.
   The drawbacks of this procedure are the need for surgery and the potential cost of the surgery. Although scar formation is very rare, there is a need for additional downtime with this procedure and recovery is usually slower and more painful. We typically place patient's in a walking boot for one to two weeks and then transfer into a sneaker. No stitches are required with this procedure. For more information please refer to our website home page and go to Heel pain center.

 
 The most effective but also the most invasive of our plantar fasciosis treatment options is Topaz Coblation therapy. Sedation and local anesthesia in the operating room are necessary to perform the procedure. The physician places approximately 24 to 30 needle holes in a square pattern on the medial and central bands of the fascia in the medial calcaneal tubercle region at the area of greatest pain. One would insert the Topaz into the needle holes and fenestrate the fascia with a short burst of electric energy. This results in microscopic cutting of the fascia, increased blood supply and breakup of the scar tissue. There also seems to be an increase in strength to the fascia with this procedure.
   The drawbacks of this procedure are the need for surgery, the cost of surgery and the fact that scar formation from the multiple incisions may be a source of pain. Although scar formation is very rare, there is a need for additional downtime with this procedure and recovery is usually slower and more painful.
- See more at: http://www.podiatrytoday.com/refining-the-treatment-algorithm-for-plantar-fasciitis-and-plantar-fasciosis#sthash.2W3b5fEp.dpuf