Non Cutting Tendon Repair With Topaz

What Are Tendons?

Tendons are tough, flexible tissues that connect muscle to bone. There are approximately 4,000 tendons in the human body. Many tendons are in the feet and ankles. They help the feet and ankles move, absorb impact to the muscles, and provide stability and balance.

What Types of Tendon Issues Affect the Foot and Ankle?

Just like any tendon in the body, those in the feet and ankles have the potential to become injured and in need of repair. One such injury is tendonitis: an inflammation of a tendon causing pain, stiffness, redness, swelling, reduced flexibility, or warmth around the tendon. Tendonitis may occur:

• In the Achilles tendon (from the calf to the heel),
• In the extensor tendon (on top of the foot)
• On the outer side of the ankle (peroneal tendinitis)
• In the inner part of the ankle in the back (flexor tendonitis).

How Are Tendons Repaired?

Certain tendon issues may not respond to, or be able to be repaired by, more conservative treatments: rest, ice, support, orthotics, physical therapy, or medication. In these scenarios, your podiatrist may suggest using Topaz® technology to repair the tendon without surgery.

What is Topaz Technology?

Topaz® technology is a minimally invasive procedure which uses precise radio frequency energy to repair and heal damaged tendons. Topaz® Coblation® precisely targets and dissolves scar tissue within the tendon without damaging nearby healthy tissue.

The Topaz® Procedure:

After local anesthesia is administered, the podiatrist draws a grid pattern on the skin over the damaged area of the tendon. The ultra thin Topaz® Microdebrider Wand is inserted into the skin following the grid pattern, and emits radio frequency waves directly into the tendon’s scar tissue to break it up and dissolve it. This process causes a new injury, which jumpstarts the healing process in a controlled environment. Ultimately, this prompts new, healthy tissue to grow in the tendon and, over time, pain is reduced and mobility in the tendon is restored.

What Are the Benefits of the Topaz® Procedure?

There are many benefits to the Topaz® technique for repairing tendons in the feet and ankles, including:

• Topaz® is an outpatient procedure that is relatively quick
• Recovery typically occurs within weeks, instead of months
• Many patients are allowed to bear weight on the affected foot within hours, while others may need to wear a splint or cast
• Topaz® and Coblation® technologies precisely target damaged tissue without affecting healthy tissue.
• Many insurance plans cover the Topaz® procedure
• No open surgery is required

If your tendon issue has not responded to more conservative treatment protocols and you want to avoid surgery, talk to your podiatrist about Topaz® Coblation®.