A comparative study to analyse the efficacy of platelet rich plasma versus corticosteroids in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic plantar fasciitis accounts for 15% of all foot disorders, with 10% of the population affected over their lifetime. PRP is a biological blood-derived autologous component rich in numerous growth factors and cytokines, which is being widely used in various musculoskeletal disorders in recent times. In this study, we compare the efficacy of PRP with steroid injection in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis. Materials and Methods: 50 patients with unilateral chronic plantar fasciitis who were not responding to conservative management for 6 weeks were included in this study. The study was done at the orthopaedics department at Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital, Annamalai University, from October 2020 to October 2021. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A [25 patients] received 2 cc of single dose platelet rich plasma [PRP] injection and group B [25 patients] were given 40 mg of 2cc depomedrol injection. Functional outcome was evaluated using visual analog score [VAS] and Foot and ankle ability measure [FAAM] scores at 0,4,8,12,24 weeks. Plantar fascia thickness was measured pre-injection and 6 months post injection using ultrasound. Results: Group A [PRP] had pre-treatment VAS score of 8.5 and an FAAM score of 30.08 after 6 months of follow-up, the score was 1.60 and 82.86, respectively. Whereas in group B [STEROID] had a pretreatment VAS score of 8.3 and FAAM score of 29.96, 6 months follow up a score of 3.85 and 70.18, respectively. Pre-treatment Plantar fascia thickness in group A was and group B was 5.95 and 5.76 respectively. 6 months follow-up study shows thickness of 3.76 and 4.33 in group A and B. Conclusion: Platelet rich plasma was found to be more effective in relieving the symptoms, increases the functional outcome compared to steroids in long term follow up.