High resolution ultrasonographic diagnosis of plantar fasciitis: a correlation of ultrasound and MRI

In a prospective study of nine men and eight women with suspected unilateral or bilateral plantar fasciitis, twenty-three symptomatic heels were examined by both ultrasound and a pre-planned limited sagittal MRI protocol to assess the different signs. Eleven healthy volunteers [22 heels] acted as controls. The findings are tabulated and discussed in relation to other literature. It is concluded that the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound is comparable to that of MRI in the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis and that it should be used in preference to MRI except in cases where complex pathology is suspected