Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Denervation of the Medial Calcaneal Nerve.

OBJECTIVE: Plantar fasciosis is a common complaint of athletes, particularly for runners. The medial calcaneal nerve (MCN) may play a role in the pain syndrome, and radiofrequency (RF) denervation has been previously reported. The hypothesis is that ultrasound-guided denervation of the MCN results in symptomatic improvement. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: Private practice. PATIENTS: Twenty-nine patients previously receiving ultrasound-guided RF denervation of the MCN, having failed conservative therapy, were assessed in 2 groups, those more than (group 1, n = 16) or less than (group 2, n = 13) 6 months since the procedure. INTERVENTIONS: Ultrasound-guided RF denervation of the MCN. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain scores before denervation, as well as at maximal pain relief and the time of the interview. Levels of satisfaction and attitudes toward surgery were also assessed. RESULTS: Pain scores decreased significantly in both groups, for both best and residual pain scores. Group 1 mean pain scores were 8.56 before procedure, 2.81 (P < 0.001 compared to baseline) at best pain score, and 3.75 (P < 0.01) residual pain score. Group 2 mean pain scores were 7.23 before procedure, 3.77 (P < 0.01) at best pain score and 4.92 (P < 0.01) residual pain score. Levels of satisfaction were predominantly positive (69% of group 1% and 54% of group 2 were either somewhat or very satisfied), with attitudes toward surgery unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with refractory plantar heel pain, ultrasound-guided denervation of the MCN can potentially improve symptoms, although efficacy needs assessing in comparative studies. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ultrasound-guided denervation of the MCN provides a further management option for patients with refractory plantar fasciosis.

Cell therapy in joint disorders.

CONTEXT: Articular cartilage possesses poor natural healing mechanisms, and a variety of non-cell-based and cell-based treatments aim to promote regeneration of hyaline cartilage. DATA SOURCES: A review of the literature to December 2013 using PubMed with search criteria including the keywords stem cell, cell therapy, cell transplantation, cartilage, chondral, and chondrogenic. STUDY SELECTION: Forty-five articles were identified that employed local mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy for joint disorders in humans. Nine comparative studies were identified, consisting of 3 randomized trials, 5 cohort studies, and 1 case-control study. STUDY TYPE: Clinical review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. DATA EXTRACTION: Studies were assessed for stem cell source, method of implantation, comparison groups, and concurrent surgical techniques. RESULTS: Two studies comparing MSC treatment to autologous chondrocyte implantation found similar efficacy. Three studies reported clinical benefits with intra-articular MSC injection over non-MSC controls for cases undergoing debridement with or without marrow stimulation, although a randomized study found no significant clinical difference at 2-year follow-up but reported better 18-month magnetic resonance imaging and histologic scores in the MSC group. No human studies have compared intra-articular MSC therapy to non-MSC techniques for osteoarthritis in the absence of surgery. CONCLUSION: Mesenchymal stem cell-based therapies appear safe and effective for joint disorders in large animal preclinical models. Evidence for use in humans, particularly, comparison with more established treatments such as autologous chondrocyte implantation and microfracture, is limited.