Research from Society of Interventional Radiology's
Annual Scientific Meeting shows image-guided,
ultrasonic technology may hold key to conquering a
notoriously difficult condition.
Patients suffering from chronic plantar fasciitis
now have a new weapon against this debilitating foot
ailment, according to research presented at the
Society of Interventional Radiology's Annual
Scientific Meeting. Researchers utilized ultrasound
imaging and specific ultrasonic energy to penetrate,
emulsify and remove diseased fasciitis tissue.
Permanently removing damaged, pain-generating tissue
allowed room for healthy tissue to regrow in its
place, restoring normal function.
"Plantar fasciitis is so ubiquitous and such a
difficult condition to live with, and yet patients
have been limited in their treatment options," said
Rahul Razdan, M.D., one of the study's researchers
and an interventional radiologist at Advanced
Medical Imaging in Lincoln, Neb. "While standard
treatments, such as pain medication and physical
therapy, can offer some relief, there have been no
permanent answers. Consequently, safe and effective
definitive treatments are highly desirable," he
noted.
In the study, 100 patients were treated, beginning
in August 2013. The patients presented with chronic,
refractory plantar fasciopathy, and all patients had
previously failed to respond to medications,
activity modification and arch supports. Before
treatment, patients reported how their foot pain
affected their ability to manage everyday life
through the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI).
FADI scores were collected from the patients at two
weeks, six weeks and six months post treatment.
Two weeks after treatment, greater than 90 percent
of patients reported improvement in symptoms, and
these improvements were maintained at six months.
Patients also reported being highly satisfied with
the treatment and had no treatment-related
complications.
"It is important for patients suffering from chronic
plantar fasciitis to know that they have treatment
options," added Razdan. "We have patients who are in
so much pain they can't even play with their kids or
take their dog for a walk. This ultrasonic treatment
can give patients their lives back and let them
enjoy their lives. We are excited to see significant
results from this treatment," he said.
Chronic plantar fasciitis is the most common
debilitating foot complaint, affecting approximately
10 percent of the population and accounting for more
than 1 million office visits annually, said Razdan.
About Interventional radiology
Clinicians in the field of interventional radiology
pioneered minimally invasive, image-guided
treatment, which reaches the source of a medical
problem through blood vessels or directly through a
tiny incision in the skin to deliver a precise,
targeted treatment. Interventional radiology
treatments performed by board-certified experts can
deliver solutions with less risk, less pain and
shorter recovery time than traditional surgery.
These treatments are delivered in collaboration with
the patient's care team. The specialty was founded
in the early 1960s. Today interventional radiology
has become synonymous with modern medicine.
For more information
Abstract 78, "Percutaneous ultrasonic fasciotomy: A
novel approach to treat chronic plantar fasciitis,"
R. Razdan, E. Vander Woude, Radiology, Advanced
Medical Imaging, Lincoln, Neb.
http://www.sirmeeting.org
MDN |