To determine whether the clinical results of radiofrequency microtenotomy for the treatment of chronic insertional tendinopathy are comparable to those of monopolar electrocautery. Sixteen patients with chronic knee and elbow tendon injuries who were refractory to conservative therapy, between January 2006 and July 2007, were selected in the surgical ward of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil. Eight patients underwent microtenotomy with a Topaz probe (Arthrocare) whereas the remaining 8 patients underwent microtenotomy with monopolar electrocautery. The patients were assessed using a Visual Analog Pain Scale and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score. Statistically significant differences with regard to the relief of pain were perceived in both groups on postoperative day 7. Both groups showed remarkable alleviation of pain after the seventh day and their pain scores decreased over time. Most patients (75%) scored 1 or less on the pain scale 3 months after surgery. In contrast, at 6 months, 93.7% of the patients scored 1 or less on the pain scale. The groups did not show any differences in terms of the Mayo Elbow Performance Score. On postoperative day 14, 77% of the patients had a score greater than 75, which is rated as good. After 6 months, all patients had good and excellent outcomes. Radiofrequency microtenotomy, either with a Topaz probe or with conventional electrocautery, yielded good and excellent results, respectively, for the treatment of chronic insertional tendinopathy.