Radiofrequency microtenotomy: a promising method for treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathy

Abstract

Purpose Subacromial pain syndrome is a common disorder. Arthroscopic subacromial decompression is currently the preferred treatment method. Bipolar radiofrequency microtenotomy has shown promising results in treating tendinosis. In this study, the authors compare the results after arthroscopic acromioplasty with bipolar radiofrequency microtenotomy for patients with subacromial pain syndrome. Methods A total of 27 patients, with subacromial pain syndrome, were followed for 2 years. There were 14 patients in the arthroscopic acromioplasty group and 13 patients in the radiofrequency microtenotomy group. Clinical outcome data included pain reported using a visual analog scale, Constant score, and strength. Magnetic resonance imaging of the afected shoulder was performed before and 2 years after intervention for an evaluation of the tendinosis grade. Results All patients attended the inal follow-up 2 years after intervention. No signiicant diferences were found at baseline between the groups. Pain measured by the visual analog scale revealed a signiicant reduction in both groups at 12 weeks, 6 months and 2 years compared with baseline. There was no signiicant diference between the groups in terms of visual analog scale, Constant score, or strength. The magnetic resonance imaging revealed a signiicant improvement in the tendinosis score in both groups, without any signiicant diference between the groups. Conclusion In this prospective randomized study, the clinical assessments revealed a signiicant improvement in terms of the visual analog scale, strength, Constant score, and tendinosis score 2 years after intervention with either arthroscopic acromioplasty or radiofrequency microtenotomy in patients with subacromial pain syndrome. However, no signiicant diferences were found between the groups. This study reveals that there are surgical options other than acromioplasty in patients with SAPS. Level of evidence II.

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

“…Bipolar RFM has shown promising results in treating tendinosis of the lateral epicondyle, 24 plantar fascia, patellar and Achilles tendons, 6 , 21 and shoulder tendons. 1 , 37 In a nonrandomized study using RFM, Arnal-Burro et al 6 treated 17 Achilles tendons in 13 patients who were active runners and obtained a 94% improvement in symptoms and a return to previous performance in 70% of cases at the 12-month follow-up. In a retrospective study, Yeap et al 40 treated tendinosis in the Achilles, tibialis, and peroneal tendons using RF coblation and found a significant reduction in pain and a significant improvement in function 3 months after surgery.…”