TOPAZ®
The Minimally Invasive Treatment for Tendon and Fascia Symptoms

Persistent Symptoms
The most common cause of chronic heel pain is due to a condition called plantar fasciosis, which affects the structures that run along the plantar surface of the foot.

Until recently, tendon and fascia symptoms, due to plantar fasciosis, has been difficult to treat. The most common treatments include rest, stretching exercises, splints or orthotics. Injections of a local anesthetic are also used. However, these treatments tend to address only the symptoms not the cause of pain.

In many cases, this type of supportive care is inadequate. Patients endure months of pain before the underlying disease improves. For those who seek more aggressive care, the only other option has been invasive surgical procedures.

Introducing TOPAZ, which offers a minimally invasive alternative to surgical procedures for the treatment of tendons and fascia¹.

Quick and Minimally Invasive
TOPAZ is an innovative, new medical technique now available. TOPAZ has been associated with minimal post-operative pain and quick return to activities of daily living.

How TOPAZ is Performed

• TOPAZ is performed on an outpatient basis. Your doctor will administer a light dose of general anesthesia.
• A one inch incision is made to access the fascia. The TOPAZ MicroDebrider is then applied to remove small amounts of tissue. The endoscopic technique, which eliminates the need for an incision, can be used.
• Post-procedure recovery dictates limited activity for approximately 2 weeks until the incision has begun to heal. No special care is required during recovery.
• Some patients resume daily activities as quickly as 10 days post-procedure. However, typically, most patients resume normal activities within 1-3 months. Recovery rates vary by patient.

What Patients Are Saying
Since obtaining original FDA clearance in 2002 and expanded indications for tendonotomy in 2005, the TOPAZ MicroDebrider has offered a minimally invasive alternative for thousands of patients for the treatment of tendons. To date, TOPAZ has been utilized in over 40,000 procedures².

"I had the TOPAZ procedure performed on my tendon.
TOPAZ saved me! Just when my tendon threatened to end
my gymnastics career completely

– I’m sticking landings again. In fact, just eight weeks after
my procedure I was performing for a nationally televised event
and I felt great! I’d definitely recommend TOPAZ to anyone in
need of tendon treatment."

- Dominique Moceanu,
Olympic Gold Medal Winning Gymnast

Now there is a better choice
TOPAZ preserves the anatomical structure of the foot, making it the minimally invasive choice of treatment³.

Outstanding clinical results have been achieved including, minimal post-operative pain and an overall 92% success rate1. TOPAZ is a precise surgical technique, rarely requiring a secondary procedure.

Easy to Undergo

• Minimally invasive; single, small cut is necessary
• 20-minute outpatient procedure
• Only light anesthesia is required

Fast, Easy Recovery

• Minimal post-operative pain
• No disruption of foot structure
• Recovery rates vary by patient; some resume activities within 10 days post-procedure, typically, most patients resume normal activities within 1-3 months

Clinically Proven

• 92% success rate based on VAS PAIN Scale¹
• Technology behind TOPAZ has been used in over 5 million procedures⁴

TOPAZ is one of several treatments available for tendons and fascia. Other treatment pathways include continued conservative care, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, and Traditional Fasciotomy.

Don’t let tendon symptoms interfere with your life

TOPAZ is minimally invasive and won’t compromise the mechanical structure of the foot, unlike traditional surgical techniques³. Recovery is quick and easy, with no casts or physical therapy required.

Step Back into Your Life with TOPAZ.

If you are seeking a minimally invasive treatment, talk to your doctor about TOPAZ MicroDebrider now. Learn more at www.topazinfo.com

References

1. Tasto et al, Arthroscopy. July 2005.
2. Data on file.
3. Tasto. Techniques in Foot and Ankle Surgery 5(2) 2006.
4. Data on file.

© ArthroCare Corporation