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Topaz Procedure

If non-surgical modalities have failed to improve your Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, then more invasive surgical techniques may be required to heal the diseased tendon or fascia and greatly reduce or eliminate your painful symptoms. One potential surgical procedure that may be right for you is the Topaz Procedure. Along with guidance from your surgeon, he or she will help you decide if this procedure is appropriate for your condition.


What Is The Topaz Procedure?

The Topaz procedure is a state-of-the-art, a minimally invasive technique used by the surgeons at the Heel Pain Center of Kansas City to treat chronic Achilles tendonitis and chronic plantar fasciitis. This procedure is not recommended as part of the initial treatment plan but utilized if non-surgical modalities such as custom orthotics, physical therapy, immobilization, NSAIDs, and cortisone injections have failed to provide relief.


How Does Topaz Work?

The Topaz procedure is a minimally invasive technique and is performed at a surgery center or hospital under sedation. Once the patient is sedated, a grid-like pattern is outlined on the skin over the diseased area of the tendon or fascia. Multiple, small micro-incisions are made approximately 1 centimeter apart to provide access to the tendon or fascia for the Topaz wand. The wand is inserted into the diseased area of the tendon or fascia for about a half-second, removed, and placed into the next micro-incision. The process is repeated until the entire area has been treated.

The Topaz wand uses radiofrequency waves, referred to as coblation, to induce micro-trauma to the scar tissue of the tendon or fascia that remains unhealed. This microscopic trauma initiates blood flow to return to the diseased area to help restart the healing process by increasing growth factors in the affected area. The placement of the wand and the small size of the wand’s tip greatly minimizes the damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.


What Is The Expected Recovery For Topaz?

Patients are placed in a light compressive dressing postoperatively and placed in a walking boot or surgical shoe and allowed to weight bear. Some patients are able to return to tennis shoes with custom orthotics in as little as 3 days, but traditionally a week in a walking boot or surgical shoe can be expected before returning to regular shoes with custom orthotics. Physical therapy may be utilized to help accelerate the healing process and get patients back to their normal activities as quickly as possible.

If you are suffering from chronic heel pain, give the Heel Pain Center of Kansas City a call so that you and one of our doctors can decide if Topaz is right for you.


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