A prospective study to analyse the efficacy of platelet rich plasma in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis

Abstract

Introduction: Regenerative medicine has been used in the treatment of various Musculo skeletal disorders, chronic tendinopathies and in the field of sports medicine in the recent times. PRP is a biological blood derived autologous component, rich in numerous growth factors and cytokines that will lead to enhanced healing of bone and soft tissue at a cellular level. Materials and Methods: 25 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 Orthopaedics department at RMMCH, Annamalai University from October 2020 to October 2021. Functional outcome was evaluated using visual analog score [VAS] and Foot and ankle ability measure [FAAM] scores at 0,4,8,12, and 24 weeks. Plantar fascia thickness was measured pre-injection and 6 months post injection using ultrasound. Results: Patients had pre-treatment VAS score of 7.56and FAAM score of 30.04after 6 months follow up the score improved to 1.32and 80.88respectively. Pre-treatment Plantar fascia thickness was 5.52mm, 6 months follow up study showed thickness of 3.56 mm. Conclusion: Platelet rich plasma was found to be more effective in relieving the symptoms, increases the functional outcome in long term follow up.